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Difficulty: HardSpeed Limits and Speed Regulation

A motorist is descending a steep, winding mountain grade on a two-lane highway where the posted maximum speed limit is 55 mph. Rain has recently started, causing surface oils to mix with water and create slick road conditions. Traffic is light, but gravity accelerates the vehicle toward 55 mph without throttle input. Under traffic safety laws and speed regulation principles, which driver action is legally required?

  1. Control vehicle speed using lower gears and braking to stay significantly below 55 mph as required by road and grade conditions.Answer
  2. B
    Allow the vehicle to coast at 55 mph, as traveling at the posted maximum speed is legally protected when traffic is light and visibility is unimpaired.
  3. C
    Shift into neutral to allow free coasting while keeping speed within 5 mph above the posted limit to preserve brake life.
  4. D
    Maintain a speed equal to the surrounding highway speed limit of 65 mph on adjacent flat roadways to avoid holding up potential trailing traffic.

Answer

The driver must control vehicle speed using lower gears and braking to travel at a reduced speed below the 55 mph posted limit that is safe for the steep, wet grade.
The correct answer identifies that under the Basic Speed Law, posted speed limits are maximum targets for ideal conditions. When facing hazardous conditions such as a steep mountain grade and slippery wet pavement, drivers are legally mandated to reduce speed to a safe level below the posted maximum limit.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the posted regulatory speed limit versus current environmental conditions.
The posted limit is 55 mph, but physical hazards exist (steep grade, wet slick surface).
Posted speed limits represent the maximum lawful speed under ideal conditions only.
2
Apply the Basic Speed Law rule to the scenario.
The Basic Speed Law dictates that no person shall drive at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent given weather, visibility, traffic, and roadway conditions.
Slick pavement combined with downhill momentum increases stopping distance and skid risk, requiring a speed lower than the posted maximum.
3
Select the proper control technique and compliant driving behavior.
Use engine braking (lower gear) and service brakes to maintain a safe reduced speed below 55 mph.
This maintains traction and control while fully complying with speed regulation statutes.

Key Concept

Basic Speed Law versus Posted Maximum Speed Limits on Hazardous Grades
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Speed Limits and Speed Regulation

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