Slick Roads Ahead: How Wet Weather and Oil on Pavement Affect Your Traction

When the rain finally rolls into North Texas, it brings more than cooler air and green lawns. Wet weather often means oil on roadways rises to the surface, creating slippery conditions that can catch drivers off guard. If you’ve ever felt your tires lose grip for just a second, you know how unsettling it can be. At Trusted Insurance Partners LLC, we want to help you understand what’s happening on the road and how to protect yourself and your vehicle.

Why Oil and Water Don’t Mix

Over time, cars leak small amounts of oil and other fluids that build up on streets and highways. When it rains, that residue mixes with water and creates a slick film that makes it harder for your tires to grip. The first few minutes of rainfall are often the most dangerous, especially on busy roadways like Highway 75, or the Dallas North Tollway in Plano and Richardson.

The Risks of Slick Roads

Slippery conditions increase the chance of:

• Skidding or hydroplaning, where your tires lose contact with the road.
• Longer stopping distances, especially at intersections.
• Multi-car accidents, when one small skid leads to chain reactions.

In fact, research shows that a large share of weather-related crashes occur during bad weather, with 46% happening on wet pavement and 70% occurring during rainfall.

But it’s not just about the rain. In Texas, crash data shows that October sees a meaningful bump in accidents compared to February (the safest month). In the Dallas area, for example, accident rates climb more than 18% in October on average, serving a reminder that seasonal shifts really do matter behind the wheel.

When roads get slick, a few simple precautions can make all the difference. Slow down when the rain begins, especially on highways, and leave extra space between your car and the one ahead of you. Regularly checking your tires for tread depth and proper pressure helps maintain traction, and braking gently reduces the risk of skidding. Most importantly, make sure your auto insurance is ready for the unexpected so you can drive with confidence, no matter the weather.

The Trusted Insurance Partners Difference

At Trusted Insurance Partners LLC, we know that losing traction on a rainy day can turn into a stressful claim. That’s why we work hard to make sure our clients in Plano, TX, and surrounding neighborhoods like West Plano and Richardson have the coverage they need. Whether you’re looking for the best home insurance options, renter’s insurance, life insurance, or commercial insurance, we’re proud to be the best insurance agency that local families can count on.