What does slippery when wet sign mean

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Last Updated: Sep 3, Choose Your Legal Category: Family. Criminal Defense. Real Estate. Child Support. Other Legal Categories. X 1 Enter Zip Code or City this may not be the same place you live. Automobile Accidents. It is also a quite common sign on our roads and highways.

Make sure you understand its meaning. The sign tells you to be prepared for a slippery roadway. A part of the roadway you are on may be slippery even when the rest of the pavement is dry and safe.

In general, this slippery condition occurs in cold or wet weather conditions and often on bridges and overpasses. When used, it should be placed in advance of the beginning of the affected section, and additional signs should be placed at appropriate intervals along the road where the condition exists.

Pay attention when you pass a bridge the next time. You are highly likely to see the Slippery When Wet sign close to the bridge. Bridges and overpasses simply freeze more quickly when temperature drops and therefore become more slippery. Bridges and overpasses also dry out last. So, even when the rest of the roadway seems fine, an overpass can hide spots of ice in winter. The highway takes advantage of the insulation and warmth from the soil under the pavement.

It loses heat only from the surface, while a bridge is surrounded by cold air and loses heat from both above and below. When it loses heat, it also cools down much quicker. Concrete and asphalt are also poor conductors of heat, which lessens the rate of heat loss from a roadway. Remember, the yellow background color means it is a warning sign and it is posted there for a reason.

When it is raining, snowing, or temperature is close to freezing, you should always approach a bridge or overpass with care. The basic speed law in your state requires you to adjust your speed to current conditions, including weather and roadway conditions. So, just let up on the gas pedal a bit before you get to the bridge and avoid sudden moves and hard braking on the bridge when weather is bad.

Fast or sudden maneuvers may throw your vehicle into a skid. You should also watch your following distance to vehicles ahead of you. In case of a rear-end crash, you are most likely to be found at fault.

It has the same meaning as the Slippery When Wet sign but emphasizes icy conditions in winter. Shape: Diamond. Diamond sign with an icon of a car with squiggly lines coming from it.

Location: On slippery roads. Slippery road signs are posted along roadsides that are prone to rain and ice. Color: Yellow and black. Real-life examples Slippery road signs in the wild. Things To Remember The slippery road sign is posted in areas that are known to be slippery or icy in poor weather conditions. Drivers should slow their speed and avoid any sudden directional changes when driving on a slippery road.