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Difficulty: EasySpeed Control and Following Distance

You are driving on a road during a heavy rainstorm where the posted speed limit is 45 mph45\text{ mph}. Water has accumulated on the pavement, reducing tire traction. According to safe driving practices and the Basic Speed Law, how should you adjust your driving?

  1. A
    Maintain your speed at 45 mph45\text{ mph} because driving at the posted speed limit is always legally compliant regardless of weather conditions.
  2. Reduce your speed below 45 mph45\text{ mph} and increase your following distance to allow extra stopping space on the slippery surface.Answer
  3. C
    Maintain your speed at 45 mph45\text{ mph} while decreasing your following distance to 11 second to keep up with traffic flow.
  4. D
    Reduce your speed below 45 mph45\text{ mph}, but shorten your following distance to 22 seconds because lower speeds require less reaction time.

Answer

Reduce your speed below the posted speed limit and increase your following distance to allow extra stopping space on the slippery surface.
The Basic Speed Law requires drivers to adjust their speed downward from posted limits when weather or road conditions create hazards such as rain and reduced tire traction. In addition, because wet pavement increases stopping distance, defensive driving rules require expanding the following distance buffer to allow sufficient space to react and stop safely.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the environmental hazard and its impact on vehicle control.
Heavy rain and accumulated water decrease tire traction and lengthen braking distance.
Reduced grip means a vehicle takes significantly more distance to stop safely.
2
Apply the Basic Speed Law.
Determine that driving at the posted speed limit of 45 mph45\text{ mph} is unsafe under wet conditions.
The Basic Speed Law dictates that safe speeds depend on weather and road conditions, not just the posted sign.
3
Determine the necessary following distance adjustment.
Increase the following distance beyond the normal dry-road standard.
An expanded safety buffer provides necessary reaction time and stopping space when traction is compromised.

Key Concept

Basic Speed Law and Following Distance in Adverse Weather
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Speed Control and Following Distance

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