
Why the first rain after a dry spell is the most dangerous
Why the first rain after a dry spell is the most dangerousByCaroline AylwardandJenn Jordan•
November 4, 2026
Updated: November 4, 2026, 3:05 pm ESTPublished: November 4, 2026, 1:37 pm ESTOil, dirt and grime build up on roads during dry spells, so the first rain drops turn pavement slick just when drivers are out of practice driving in the rain. Studies show the longer it's been dry, the greater the crash risk when rain eventually falls.
MORE: What every driver should know about driving in rain
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