Do you know according to FHWA report, almost 73% accidents occur on wet pavements? These crashes happen due to negligence and in case you ignore traffic signs. To protect you on greasy roads, slippery road signs are placed. In this topic, you will learn about slippery when wet sign meaning, location and those steps which you should take when you see this sign.

Slippery Road Sign or Slippery When Wet Traffic Sign

Slippery road signs are warning signs which tell you that roads are wet and slick ahead. The reasons can be rain, ice, oil and snow. You will observe these signs on the greasy and hazardous road surfaces. These pavements cause serious accidents and collisions. That’s why slippery traffic signs are installed to inform you. So, you have some time to adjust your driving.

What Does a Slippery Road Sign Look Like?

You can see this sign in different shapes and colors. For example,

It looks like a diamond shape which has a yellow background with black icon in North America. This icon displays to you a black car with wavy line marks. 

In addition, you will notice this sign as a triangular shape in Europe and UK. This sign shape has a red border with white background. The same black car symbol appears in the center of this sign. It doesn’t matter what the shape or color is. The important thing is that both perform the same task which is to warn you regarding upcoming slippery roads.

Related: List of Traffic Sign Colors & What To Do After You See Them?

Locations Where You Mostly See Slippery Road Signage

Bridge

These signs are actually placed near bridges to alert you about threats. The reason is that they freeze much faster than normal roads. Because roads are on ground and they take heat from earth. But bridges are suspended in the air which is present above and below the overpass. It causes the loss of heat and allows the bridges to cool early due to rain or snow. In this way your vehicle tires lose grip easily.

Shaded Areas and Tunnels

Shaded areas and tunnels may be covered with buildings and trees. So they receive a minimum amount of heat. If rain falls in such places, moisture retains for a long time. Due to less water evaporation, pavements become slick and reduce traction. As a result there are a lot of chances that you can slip.

Construction and Industrial Zones

You will note these signs close to those areas where construction and industrial work is in progress. These sites have trucks, bulldozers and cranes to carry out material. When they move or shift materials from one place to another, they leave behind some items such as sand, gravel, spilled fluid, mud and debris. If these items mix with water or oil, they create a slippery surface which can be dangerous for you.

Mountainous or Hilly Areas

As you know during the snowy season, ice from mountains drops and then collects on the roadway. Besides this, when intense rain falls on steep slopes, the rainwater brings rocks and dirt with them. These elements create mud on routes which makes the road greasy. Furthermore, uneven surfaces can also cause landsliding. Therefore, slippery traffic signs tell you about unexpected situations.

Heavy Rainfall Places

During heavy rainstorms, low lying areas convert into pools. Sometimes, even roads are also not shown to you. When rain water mixes with your vehicle's fluid and other particles. It produces lubricated film on pavements. If your car moves too fast, then your motor tire loses contact with the surface. As a result, you can skim across the water and lose complete control. So these signs act as safety barriers for your protection.

Snowy Region

Slippery road signage is commonly mounted near snowy regions. If snow fell, it blocked all routes. These roads are not open until they are properly exposed to sunlight. Smooth layers of black ice on these pavements reduce friction and cause your vehicle to skid. Landsliding is also compulsory in those areas especially during winter.

What Should You Do When Roads Are Slippery?

If you notice a slippery traffic sign, there are a few points which you should keep in mind.

• First of all, you need to slow down your car speed. It minimizes the risk of skidding.

• Secondly, you should avoid sudden movements such as hard brakes and sharp turns which can cause the loss of balance.

• If you want to change the lanes and take turns, you need to gently steer in that direction where you wish to go.

• Then, you should maintain the gap from other vehicles. Because you have a stopping distance of at least 4-6 seconds between your car and front automobiles.

• In winters and snowy seasons, if you drive over the wet routes you must check tyre conditions. You can use winter tires in such poor weather conditions.

• Before driving, you have to make sure that the windshield wipers and headlights are working properly. So that you can see pavements and motors ahead clearly.

• At the end, we can say that you must remain active while driving on low traction surfaces.

Slippery Road Sign on Dashboard

If you drive on icy roads and see blinking slippery traffic sign with squiggly lines on your car dashboard. You don’t need to panic, it means your Traction Control System (TCS) or Electronic Stability Program (ESP) are working properly. Moreover, it indicates that this system prevents your car from slipping on wet pavements. But if you note this sign continuously stays on, it may be due to some sensor fault.In this situation, you have to drive carefully. 

MUTCD and OSHA Standards For Slippery Traffic Signs

Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is a government standard. These authorities specified traffic signs for public roads, streets and highways. According to MUTCD, slippery roads are designated as w8-5 (slippery when wet).

Whereas OSHA and ANSI rules are applied on private facility, commercial and industrial routes. OSHA 1910.22 standard provides caution where slip hazards exist and ANSI Z535 defines design such as color, symbols and arrangements of warning signs. 

Distance Between Slippery Road Sign and Hazard Zone

If you install slippery traffic signage, then you should know the below recommended speed range and distance between sign and hazard zone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature is road most slippery at?

Roads are most slippery when the temperature is between 0℃ and -3℃ ( 26℉ to 32℉). At this range, black ice or thin layers of water form on the pavements. It increases the chance of losing your vehicle grip.

What happens when roads are slippery?

If roads are slippery because of rain, oil, ice and other reasons. It accelerates the risk of skidness and hydroplaning due to insufficient friction. If you apply sudden brakes while driving at high speed, it can lead to dangerous accidents, vehicle overturning and collision.

Which road surface is most slippery?

Road surfaces, especially asphalt surfaces, are most slippery after the first 10-30 minutes of heavy rain. Asphalt pores absorb rain water and mixes it with dripped vehicle oil, grease, and dirt which is already present on the surface. It creates slick films which can be risky for your life.

Conclusion

Finally, we expect that now you are able to respond if you observe slippery road signs. You should pay more attention to them. Because they warn you from upcoming danger. By taking necessary steps which we mention above, you can save your and other lives.

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