Road composition - material used

[12C]

Various road compositions have been experimented with over the years.
The section of Hwy 17, between Santa Cruz and Los Gatos California that was finished in August 2012 is smooth and quiet - even after a year. However, I have a cause of concern as my car was recently hit in the back in that location by a car that skidded a unusually considerable distance. I also went into a prolonged skid while some construction was going on and traffic was very slow for that highway - approx 30 mph. Last week, I was absolutely astounded by how far I skidded while going approx 40 mph -right into a suddenly  stopped car 200 feet in front of me. My car was totalled. This was all in summer, dry (of course - it never rains here in the summertime) conditions, with Yokohama tires which had 3/4 tread left. Nothing like this has ever happened to me in well over 30 years of driving. I don't drink - ever, I don't smoke; I'm a goody two shoes. I wonder if anyone else has had similar experiences. I'm also curious about the type of pavement used; it appears to be unique.