Veteran drivers know that the most dangerous time to drive isn't during a heavy downpour, but during the first ten minutes of a light drizzle after a long dry spell. This is because oil, grease, and rubber dust accumulate on the asphalt over time. When a light rain hits, it mixes with these fluids to create a "slick film" that is nearly as slippery as ice.
This "invisible hazard" is a primary cause of early-season accidents. A heavy rain eventually washes the oils away, but that initial window requires a 50% reduction in speed and a doubling of following distance. Awareness of "road seasoning"—how the environment changes the chemistry of the pavement—is what separates a lucky driver from a safe one.
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