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Difficulty: EasySpeed and Road Conditions

While operating on a highway during freezing rain, a commercial driver observes that the road surface has become coated with a sheet of solid ice. According to commercial vehicle safety regulations, how should the driver adjust vehicle speed and operation for this specific road condition?

  1. A
    Engage the engine retarder at maximum setting to maintain control and prevent the drive wheels from slipping.
  2. Reduce speed to a crawl and stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so.Answer
  3. C
    Maintain normal highway cruising speed on straight sections and apply firm service brakes only when entering curves.
  4. D
    Reduce speed by one-third and continue driving because total stopping distance remains manageable at moderate speeds.

Answer

Reduce speed to a crawl and stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so.
According to official CDL safety standards, when road surfaces are covered in ice, traction is severely compromised. Drivers must reduce vehicle speed to a crawl and exit the roadway to stop safely as soon as possible.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the specific road surface condition and its traction limitations.
The roadway is covered in solid ice, providing minimal tire-to-road friction.
Road friction dictates the maximum safe operating speed and braking capability of a heavy vehicle.
2
Apply the standardized commercial driving speed adjustment rule for icy roads.
The proper response is to slow the commercial motor vehicle down to a crawl and safely park off the roadway as soon as feasible.
Driving at typical speeds on ice creates extreme stopping distances and severe skid hazards that cannot be safely managed.

Key Concept

Speed adjustment on icy road surfaces and proper vehicle management under severe traction loss
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Speed and Road Conditions

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