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Slippery carriageway
The sign warns of a risk of a slippery carriageway due to particular conditions.
When you see the sign
Reduce your speed well in advance and do so smoothly. Increase the distance to the vehicle ahead, and avoid sudden braking, hard acceleration and rapid steering movements on the affected stretch.
Rules
- The sign warns of a risk of a slippery road surface due to particular conditions, such as ice, mud or an unusually slippery road surface.
- You must adjust your speed to the available grip, even if this means driving more slowly than the posted speed limit.
- Your speed must be low enough for you to stop within the section of road you can see, including when the stopping distance is longer because of slippery conditions.
- An supplementary plate may state the cause of the danger, the distance to it or the length of the section it applies to.
Tips
- Ease off the accelerator gradually before entering the slippery section.
- Significantly increase the distance to the vehicle ahead because the stopping distance may be much longer.
- Brake, steer and accelerate gently to reduce the risk of skidding.
- Pay extra attention to bridges, shaded areas and damp sections of road, where ice may form even if the rest of the road appears clear.
Common misconceptions
- Some people think the sign means dangerous bends because the symbol shows winding tracks. However, the tracks indicate that a vehicle may skid.
- Some people think the sign is only used for snow and ice. It can also warn of other particular conditions that provide poor grip.
- Some assume that there is a specific speed limit at the sign. The sign does not specify a speed; the driver must choose a safe speed.
Test yourself
Easy
What does this sign warn about?
- AA risk of several sharp bends further along the road
- BA risk of a slippery carriageway due to special conditions
- CA risk of a narrower road on the section ahead
- DA risk of a steep hill on the road ahead
Medium
You are driving at 80 km/t on a road with a speed limit of 80 km/t. After this sign, you see mud on the road surface. What should you do?
- AMove closer to the centre line to avoid the slippery area of the road.
- BReduce your speed so that you can stop within the visible section of road.
- CMaintain your speed because the sign does not set a lower speed limit.
- DBrake hard immediately to check how slippery the road is.
Hard
What about the symbol shows that the sign does not warn of dangerous bends?
- AIt shows road edges illustrating a narrower carriageway.
- BIt shows an incline illustrating a steep hill.
- CIt shows a road curve illustrating several sharp bends.
- DIt shows a car with tracks illustrating a possible skid.
Theory test tip
A common trap is to interpret the winding tracks as a warning of dangerous bends. Look for the car with skid marks: it warns of poor grip, whereas signs for dangerous bends show the curve of the road itself.
Did you know
The wavy tracks in the symbol represent tyre tracks left by a vehicle that has lost grip. The sign is used to warn of an unusual risk of slippery conditions, not just normal winter conditions that every driver must expect.
Frequently asked questions
Does the sign indicate a specific speed limit?
No, the sign is a warning sign and does not set a specific speed. You must reduce your speed as much as the available grip, visibility and other conditions require.
Does the warning apply only when there is snow or ice?
No. The danger may also be caused by, among other things, mud, moisture or a road surface that is particularly slippery.
What should I do if the car starts to skid?
Look where you want to drive and steer smoothly, without sudden movements. Avoid panic braking and hard acceleration so that the tyres can regain grip more easily.
Can a supplementary plate show how long the danger continues?
Yes. A supplementary plate can indicate the distance to the slippery section or the length of the section covered by the warning.
Practise for the theory test
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