A “Slippery When Wet” sign is a warning that the road ahead can be particularly hazardous when it’s wet (such as after rain). The sign is usually a yellow diamond-shaped sign with an icon of a car with wavy skid marks behind it. It indicates that the surface may have poor traction under wet conditions, causing vehicles to potentially slide or skid if driven without caution.
What it means for drivers:
Slow down if the road is wet. When you see this sign, know that the roadway could be slick. This often happens on bridges, overpasses, or stretches of road prone to oil buildup (oil from cars can accumulate on the road, and when mixed with water, it becomes very slippery).
Even if it’s not raining at the moment but recently did, be cautious; or if you anticipate rain ahead (clouds, etc.), prepare to slow.
Avoid sudden movements. On wet slippery roads, if you brake hard or turn sharply, you are more likely to skid. So drive smoothly – gentle braking, gradual turns.
This sign might be posted near sharp curves, steep downgrades, or shaded areas that stay slick. Bridges often freeze first and can be slippery not just when wet but also when icy (though in icy conditions, usually an “Bridge ices before road” sign might be present).
Take note if you see multiple such signs – that might indicate a long stretch of slippery conditions (like a winding downhill road where water runoff makes it slick).
It doesn’t mean the road is always slippery – only when conditions are wet (or icy). When dry, traction is normal. But it’s advising caution in poor weather.
In summary, a “Slippery When Wet” sign warns you that the road can lose traction in wet conditions, so you should reduce speed and drive carefully when the road is wet. It’s a reminder to respect the weather’s impact on driving – even if you have a vehicle with good tires or all-wheel drive, physics still applies and you can skid if you push it on a slick road. So heed the warning: slow down and avoid abrupt braking or steering when the road is wet or icy.
