Arkansas Driving Permit Practice Test

Why must drivers be cautious when it starts to rain on a hot day?

1. It takes longer for brakes to engage

2. Oil in the asphalt can make the pavement very slippery

3. The windshield can fog up more quickly

4. The sun might glare off the wet surface

The correct answer is: It takes longer for brakes to engage

When it starts to rain on a hot day, the road surface can become slick because the rain mixes with oil residue on the asphalt. This mixture creates a very slippery surface, increasing the risk of skidding and losing traction. This is why drivers must be cautious and aware of their braking distances as it can take longer for the brakes to engage properly on such slick surfaces. It is crucial to adjust driving behavior in these conditions to prevent accidents and ensure safety on the road. Option B is incorrect because oil in the asphalt making the pavement slippery is a concern during the initial phase of rain after a long dry spell, rather than specifically when it starts to rain on a hot day. Option C is incorrect as the windshield fogging up more quickly is typically a concern during colder or humid conditions, not necessarily when it starts to rain on a hot day. Option D, the sun glaring off the wet surface, could be a concern for visibility, but it does not directly address the increased braking distance and caution needed when it starts to rain on a hot day.