How can you tell a road is slippery in wet conditions?

When assessing road conditions, particularly in wet weather, the shiny appearance or dark patches on the road surface indicates that the road may be slippery. This visual cue suggests that water is sitting atop the road or that oil and other substances have been brought to the surface by the rain, creating a potentially hazardous driving environment.

Recognizing these signs is crucial for safe driving, as it alerts drivers to the need for reduced speed and increased caution. In contrast, the sound of tires on the road may not reliably signal slipperiness, and the presence or absence of potholes doesn't correlate with road traction. Similarly, the amount of traffic is unrelated to road surface conditions and does not provide any helpful indication of slipperiness.