When should you be most aware of the danger posed by grit, dirt and sand on the roadway?

• A. Winter
• B. Summer
• C. Fall
• D. Spring

Answer: (D)

Traction is the main thing to watch for when grit, dirt, and sand are on the road. Loose material on a wet surface can cause tires to slide and dramatically increase stopping distances. In spring, the amount of grit left from winter road maintenance is at its peak, because meltwater and rain wash and spread it across the roadway, creating slick patches. The combination of moisture and loose surface material makes these patches especially slippery, so you should be most aware of the danger then. In winter the bigger concern is ice and snow, while in summer and fall there’s typically less loose grit on the road.