Final answer:
Highways are typically most slippery when it first starts to rain after a dry spell. This is because the rain mixes with the oils and fluids on the road surface, creating a slick surface with low friction. During heavy rainstorms or after prolonged rainfall, the water tends to wash away the oils and fluids, making the road less slippery.
Step-by-step explanation:
When it first starts to rain after a dry spell is typically when highways are most slippery. This is because the rain mixes with the oils and fluids on the road surface, creating a layer of water that reduces friction between the tires and the road. This reduced friction makes the road more slippery and increases the risk of accidents.
For example, imagine it hasn't rained for several weeks and the roads are dry. When it finally starts to rain, the water combines with the oil and gasoline that has accumulated on the road surface from cars. This creates a slick surface with low friction, making the roads extremely slippery and dangerous. During heavy rainstorms in the middle of summer or after it has been raining for a long time, the water tends to wash away the oils and fluids on the road, making it less slippery compared to when it first starts to rain after a dry spell.