Support us

Slippery roadSpain

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Spain

22. Slippery road

A slippery road has reduced tyre grip and can make steering, braking and acceleration less effective. Roads may become slippery because of rain, ice, snow, mud, oil, loose material or other substances on the surface. Drivers should reduce speed, increase their following distance and avoid sudden steering, braking or acceleration. Extra caution is needed in bends, on bridges and wherever the road surface changes unexpectedly.

Slippery road
Multilingual warning about sand on the road. (Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain)
Wikimedia.org • TeWeBs • CC BY-SA
What makes a road slippery?

A road can become slippery because of rain, ice, snow, mud, oil, loose material or other substances that reduce tyre grip.

How should you drive on a slippery road?

Reduce speed, increase your following distance and use smooth steering, braking and acceleration. Sudden movements can cause the tyres to lose grip.

Why does braking distance increase on a slippery road?

Reduced tyre grip means the tyres cannot generate as much braking force, so the vehicle may need a longer distance to slow down or stop.

Can a road be slippery even when it looks dry?

Yes. Oil, dust, loose material or a thin layer of ice can reduce grip even when the road does not appear obviously wet or slippery.

Are bends more dangerous on slippery roads?

Yes. Turning requires tyre grip, so a slippery surface can make it easier for the vehicle to skid or leave its intended path, especially at higher speeds.

What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid?

Stay calm and avoid sudden braking or steering. Make smooth corrections and allow the tyres to regain grip. The correct response can depend on the vehicle and its safety systems.

1 Spain 2 Motorway 3 Residential area 4 Zone 5 Speed limit 6 Bike path 7 Pedestrian warning 8 Tunnel 9 Toll road 10 Quay 11 Slope 12 Dead end 13 Stop sign 14 Give way 15 Roundabout 16 Road narrowing 17 Pedestrian crossing 18 Railway crossing 19 School area 20 Overtaking 21 Crossing animals 22 Slippery road 23 Rockfall 24 Curve 25 Roadworks 26 Height limit 27 Selective barriers 28 Traffic lights 29 Traffic lights warning 30 Pedestrian lights 31 Driving licence 32 Location marker 33 Countdown markers 34 Traffic mirror 35 International border 36 Pedestrian underpass 37 Cycling route 38 Parking 39 No parking 40 Disabled parking 41 Reversing 42 Provisional licence 43 City limit 44 Licence plate 45 Charging station 46 Dangers 47 Pedestrian 48 Cyclist 49 Bus 50 Police 51 Ambulance 52 European emission standard 53 Pothole 54 Path 55 Particulates 56 Air pollution 57 Rush hour 58 Road code 59 Street gutter 60 Road debris 61 Cargo bike 62 Forestry vehicle 63 Construction vehicle 64 Semi-trailer truck 65 Trolleybus 66 Speed pedelec 67 Delivery vehicle 68 Idling 69 Tow truck 70 Four-wheel drive 71 No vehicles 72 Bicycle 73 Motorcycle equipment 74 Tram 75 Rail track 76 Caravan 77 Trailer 78 Tow hitch 79 Fire truck 80 Siren 81 Convoy 82 Emergency vehicle lighting 83 Agricultural machinery 84 Electric bicycle 85 Electric vehicle 86 Pedelec 87 Quadricycle 88 Microcar 89 All-terrain vehicle 90 Van 91 Recreational vehicle 92 Scooter 93 Trikke 94 Personal mobility device 95 Skateboard 96 Segway 97 Kick scooter 98 Roller skates 99 Mailman 100 Hitchhiker ...