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Difficulty: EasySpeed Limits and Speed Regulation

A motorist is driving on a highway with a posted maximum speed limit of 65 mph65\text{ mph}. Heavy fog suddenly develops, reducing visibility to less than 100 feet100\text{ feet}. According to the Basic Speed Law, which driving action is legally required?

  1. Reduce speed to a rate that is reasonable and safe for the limited visibility, regardless of the posted limitAnswer
  2. B
    Maintain 65 mph65\text{ mph} because driving at the posted speed limit is always legally compliant
  3. C
    Increase speed slightly to pass through the fog bank as quickly as possible
  4. D
    Maintain a fixed speed of 50 mph50\text{ mph} because that is the universal minimum limit for highway fog

Answer

The motorist must reduce speed to a rate that is reasonable and safe for the limited visibility, regardless of the posted maximum speed limit.
Under the Basic Speed Law, drivers must adjust their speed based on actual road, traffic, and weather conditions. When dense fog reduces visibility, maintaining the maximum posted speed of 65 mph65\text{ mph} is illegal and unsafe. Drivers are legally required to slow down to a speed that allows adequate reaction time and stopping distance.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assess environmental driving conditions.
Heavy fog restricts forward visibility below 100 feet100\text{ feet}, requiring longer stopping awareness.
Drivers must be able to stop within the clear distance visible ahead.
2
Apply the Basic Speed Law governing speed regulation.
The rule requires slowing down to a speed dictated by current weather and visibility conditions, even if it is far below the posted maximum limit.
Posted speed limits are calculated for ideal driving conditions only.

Key Concept

Basic Speed Law
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Topics

Speed Limits and Speed Regulation

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