Slippery road sign

What it means

The road surface ahead may give less grip than usual, so you are more likely to skid. Adjust your speed before you reach the hazard, not on it.

The symbol shows a car with skid marks behind it. A plate underneath may show how far away the hazard is, or how far it continues.

Less grip means it takes longer to stop and it's easier to lose control. Keep further back from the vehicle in front, and brake, steer and accelerate smoothly.

Where you'll see it

Before a stretch of road where the surface may be slippery. The hazard is usually worse when the road is wet or icy.

Rules to know

• Skidding is usually caused by braking, accelerating or steering too harshly, or by driving too fast for the road conditions.

  The Highway Code, Rule 119

• In wet weather, stopping distances will be at least double those needed on dry roads.

  The Highway Code, Rule 227

• On icy roads, drive at a slow speed in as high a gear as possible, and accelerate and brake very gently.

  The Highway Code, Rule 231

• A plate under a warning sign can show the distance to the hazard, or the distance over which it extends.

  Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 12

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Braking hard once you're already on the slippery section.

  Instead: Slow down before you reach it. Skids are usually caused by braking, accelerating or steering too harshly, or by going too fast for the conditions.

Test yourself

Recalling the answer helps it stick. Pick an answer to see how you did.

Question 1 of 1

What does this sign mean?

• AWarns of a zebra or parallel crossing ahead.
• BWarns of a double bend ahead, first to the left.
• CWarns that the road ahead may be slippery.
• DWarns that the road narrows on both sides ahead.

Full road sign quizzes are coming soon. See what's planned