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Difficulty: MediumSpeed Control and Following Distance

While driving on a two-lane highway at the posted speed limit, sudden rain begins to make the road surface slick. Under safe driving principles and the Basic Speed Law, how should a driver adjust their speed and following distance?

  1. A
    Maintain the posted speed limit while keeping a standard two-second following distance to avoid disrupting traffic flow.
  2. Reduce driving speed below the posted limit and increase the following distance to at least four seconds.Answer
  3. C
    Maintain the posted speed limit until reaching a designated school zone or work zone speed reduction sign.
  4. D
    Continue at the posted speed limit as long as visibility remains clear, since speed reductions apply only during fog or severe ice.

Answer

Reduce driving speed below the posted limit and increase the following distance to at least four seconds.
Under the Basic Speed Law, drivers are legally required to drive at a speed that is safe for existing weather and road conditions, regardless of the maximum posted limit. When rain creates slick conditions, drivers must reduce their speed and increase their following distance to at least four seconds to maintain adequate stopping distance and control.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assess the current road and environmental conditions.
Identify that sudden rain creates reduced traction and increases vehicle stopping distance.
Rain blends with oil and dust on the road surface, making it exceptionally slick.
2
Apply the Basic Speed Law to determine legal speed.
Recognize that driving at the maximum posted limit on a slick road violates the Basic Speed Law.
The Basic Speed Law prohibits driving faster than is safe for current conditions regardless of posted limits.
3
Adjust following distance for safety.
Expand the following cushion from the standard 3 seconds to at least 4 seconds.
An increased following distance provides extra time and distance needed to brake safely without skidding.

Key Concept

Basic Speed Law and Weather-Adjusted Following Distance
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Speed Control and Following Distance

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