Spotting slippery roads — Arkansas Permit Test

On cold and wet days, ice may linger in shady spots, which are the first to freeze and the last to thaw.

Sun never reaches the shade, so ice can stay there long after the rest of the road looks clear.

These areas are the first to freeze and the last to thaw.

Overpasses and bridges can be some of the first sections of roadway to develop icy conditions.

A bridge can be iced over while the road leading up to it is clear, catching a driver who sees dry pavement.

Overpasses and bridges can become some of the first sections of roadways to develop icy conditions.

Ice near the freezing point can be more slippery than ice at temperatures well below freezing.

Ice that is just forming is wet on top, and that film of water makes it slicker than hard, deep-frozen ice.

When ice is near the freezing point it can be more slippery than at temperatures well below freezing.

When it starts to rain on a hot day, the pavement can be particularly slippery for the first few minutes.

Heat brings oil up out of the asphalt, and the first rain floats it on top until more rain washes it away.

When it starts to rain on a hot day, pavement can be particularly slippery for the first few minutes.

On cold, wet days, why should you watch the shady spots along the road?

They freeze first and thaw last. Sun never reaches the shade, so ice can stay there long after the rest of the road looks clear. Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, p.55: “These areas are the first to freeze and the last to thaw.”