How can you tell if a road is slippery?

Choosing the first option is the most accurate way to determine if a road is slippery. Wet road conditions, ice patches, and warning signs are direct indicators of potential slipperiness. When roads are wet, especially following rain, or if ice patches are visible, it is likely that traction will be compromised, making driving hazardous. Additionally, road signs that specifically warn about slippery conditions ahead serve as immediate alerts for drivers to exercise caution.

Other methods, while they may provide some context regarding driving conditions, are less reliable. For instance, observing other vehicles driving slowly might suggest a slippery road, but it could also indicate cautious drivers responding to other factors, such as heavy traffic or unfamiliarity with the road. Similarly, temperature readings can indicate the potential for ice formation, but they do not give specifics about the current road condition. Lastly, checking recent weather reports can provide context on whether conditions may have changed recently, but they do not give real-time insights into the current state of the road. Therefore, observations made directly on the road remain the most effective approach.