A warning sign
Slippery road
A red triangle showing a car with curved skid marks warns that the road ahead may be slippery.
01
What it means
The road can lose grip for a known reason: a bend that collects water, a road surface that polishes smooth, spilled diesel, or leaf and mud fall. Slow down before the hazard, and drive smoothly - harsh braking, sharp steering or sudden acceleration are what actually cause a skid.
02
Where you'll see it
Bends, dips that hold water, roads near farm or works entrances, and shaded stretches that stay damp or icy.
03
On your driving test
The response examiners reward is gentleness: reduce speed early, then brake, steer and accelerate progressively. Losing grip through rough inputs is a control fault.
Often confused with
Quick answers
What makes a road slippery here?
A specific local cause - a water-collecting bend, a polished surface, spilled diesel, or mud and leaves. Slow down and make all your inputs smooth.
Sign artwork is Crown copyright, reproduced under the Open Government Licence v3.0; meanings from the Highway Code (gov.uk).
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