What must you reckon with when it starts raining after a long period of dry weather?

When it starts raining after a long dry period, the first rain mixes with dust and oil residues on the road, creating a slippery and potentially dangerous greasy film. This can significantly reduce traction and increase the risk of skidding.

Additionally, when switching on the windscreen wipers for the first time during rain, there may be a temporary reduction in visibility due to the wipers smearing accumulated dirt across the windshield. This is particularly relevant in abrupt weather changes after dry spells.

Choosing to recognize these two dangers (the greasy road surface and reduced visibility) is crucial for safe driving according to German traffic regulations, which emphasize the importance of adapting to changing road conditions. Shorter braking distances, however, is not typically a factor immediately when it starts raining; in fact, braking distances usually increase under these conditions, making the correct combination essential for understanding the real hazards of driving in the rain after dry weather.