A driver is traveling along a rural two-lane highway with a posted maximum speed limit of … — DMV Permit Practice Test

A driver is traveling along a rural two-lane highway with a posted maximum speed limit of $55\text{ mph}$ . Heavy fog suddenly reduces visibility to less than $100\text{ feet}$ . Vehicles behind the driver begin tailgating and flashing their headlights, urging the driver to speed up. To maintain a safe stopping distance within the visible distance ahead, the driver decelerates to $25\text{ mph}$ . Which of the following statements correctly evaluates the driver's speed choice under speed regulation laws?

The driver is complying with the Basic Speed Law, which mandates driving at a safe, reduced speed dictated by hazardous visibility regardless of posted maximum limits or pressure from rear traffic.Answer
B
The driver is violating traffic laws by impeding the flow of traffic, because drivers are legally required to match the speed of trailing vehicles on two-lane highways.
C
The driver is legally protected to drive at the posted $55\text{ mph}$ limit because static regulatory signs establish an absolute safe speed ceiling that immunizes drivers from traffic citations.
D
The driver is required to maintain $55\text{ mph}$ unless a temporary variable speed sign or law enforcement officer explicitly lowers the posted numerical speed limit.

Answer

The driver is complying with the Basic Speed Law, which mandates driving at a safe, reduced speed dictated by hazardous visibility regardless of posted maximum limits or pressure from rear traffic.

Under the Basic Speed Law, drivers must never travel faster than is safe for current conditions regardless of the posted maximum speed limit. In severe fog with less than

100\text{ feet}

of visibility, slowing down to

25\text{ mph}

ensures the driver can stop within their clear range of vision, fulfilling legal requirements despite pressure from trailing vehicles.

Step-by-Step Solution

Analyze prevailing environmental and road conditions.

Dense fog restricts visibility to under

100\text{ feet}

, creating a severe stopping sight distance hazard.

Vehicle stopping distance at

55\text{ mph}

significantly exceeds

100\text{ feet}

, making maximum posted speed unsafe.

Apply the statutory Basic Speed Law framework.

The Basic Speed Law requires operating at a prudent speed given current hazards, overriding the posted maximum limit of

55\text{ mph}

Posted numerical speed limits only apply under ideal weather and traffic conditions.

Evaluate trailing traffic pressure vs. statutory speed duties.

Tailgating vehicles do not relieve a driver of the duty to maintain a speed that allows stopping safely within clear sight distance.

Safety and visibility bounds supersede pressure from other drivers attempting to exceed safe speeds.

Key Concept

Basic Speed Law vs. Posted Maximum Limits under Adverse Weather

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