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Difficulty: MediumSpeed Control and Following Distance

You are driving on a multi-lane highway where the posted speed limit is 55 mph55\text{ mph}. Heavy fog suddenly reduces visibility, and the road surface becomes damp. Which action represents proper compliance with speed control and following distance rules under these conditions?

  1. A
    Maintain 55 mph55\text{ mph} as long as you stay within your marked lane and keep a standard 33-second following distance.
  2. Reduce your speed below the posted limit and increase your following distance to at least 44 to 55 seconds.Answer
  3. C
    Decrease your following distance to 11 to 22 seconds so you can use the lead vehicle's taillights for guidance through the fog.
  4. D
    Slightly increase your speed to pass vehicles in front of you and exit the fogged area as quickly as possible.

Answer

Reduce your speed below the posted limit and increase your following distance to at least 4 to 5 seconds.
The correct action is to reduce vehicle speed below the posted maximum limit and increase following distance to at least 4 to 5 seconds. The Basic Speed Law dictates that safe driving speeds depend on weather, traffic, and road conditions rather than just posted signage. Expanding the following distance provides an adequate safety buffer when visibility and braking efficiency are compromised.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate environmental hazards
Identify reduced visibility from heavy fog and compromised traction from damp pavement.
Hazardous road conditions increase stopping distance and reduce driver perception time.
2
Apply the Basic Speed Law
Determine that driving at the maximum posted limit of 55 mph55\text{ mph} is unsafe, requiring speed reduction.
The Basic Speed Law mandates driving at a speed that is reasonable and prudent for existing conditions, regardless of posted limits.
3
Adjust following distance for safety
Increase the following distance from the standard 3-second buffer to 4 or 5 seconds.
Adverse weather demands a larger space cushion to account for reduced visibility and potential traction loss.

Key Concept

Basic Speed Law and Increased Following Distance in Reduced Visibility
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Speed Control and Following Distance

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