How do road conditions change during the first minutes of rain?

During the first few minutes of rain, road conditions typically become more slippery. This is primarily due to the combination of water mixing with oil and other substances that have accumulated on the roadway surface, creating a slick layer. Drivers may find it particularly challenging to maintain traction during this period, significantly increasing the risk of skidding or losing control of the vehicle.

As the rain continues, the roads may eventually wash away some of the oils and debris, potentially improving traction over time, but in those initial moments, caution is crucial. The other options do not accurately represent this phenomenon; visibility does not generally improve, conditions are not unchanged, and roads do not dry out in this situation. Understanding this can help drivers adjust their speed and behavior appropriately when rain begins to fall.