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Question

Difficulty: EasyWinter Driving

You are operating a commercial motor vehicle on a highway where the road surface is covered with packed snow. According to the Commercial Driver's License (CDL) manual, how should you adjust your vehicle speed to maintain safe control?

  1. A
    Maintain normal cruising speed and engage the engine retarder to maximize braking assistance.
  2. Reduce your speed by at least one-third.Answer
  3. C
    Maintain posted highway speed while reducing following distance to stay close to lead vehicle tire tracks.
  4. D
    Continue at the posted speed limit unless drive tire tread depth is less than 4/32 inch.

Answer

Reduce vehicle speed by at least one-third to compensate for reduced traction on packed snow.
According to official CDL safety guidelines, a commercial driver must reduce operating speed by about one-third on packed snow (for example, slowing down from 60 mph to 40 mph) to account for reduced traction and maintain safe vehicle handling.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the prevailing winter roadway condition described in the scenario (packed snow).
The road surface presents significantly reduced tire-to-surface traction.
Vehicle traction determines the maximum safe operating speed and stopping capability.
2
Apply the official CDL speed reduction rule for packed snow surfaces.
Speed must be reduced by at least one-third of the normal safe speed.
Cutting speed by one-third counteracts the extended braking distance and diminished lateral control caused by snow.

Key Concept

Speed adjustment and traction management on packed snow during winter driving
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Winter Driving

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