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Question

Difficulty: HardSpeed Limits and Speed Regulation

A motorist is traveling along a road past an elementary school on a weekday morning while the amber beacons on the school zone sign are actively flashing. The standard statutory speed limit for the roadway is 35 mph35\text{ mph}, but the sign specifies a reduced speed limit of 20 mph20\text{ mph} when flashing. Due to a recent oil spill combined with light rain, the roadway surface has become extremely slick, such that traveling above 12 mph12\text{ mph} renders stopping within a safe distance impossible. The motorist maintains a constant speed of 20 mph20\text{ mph}, believing full compliance with the active school zone sign. Which of the following statements correctly evaluates the driver's speed under traffic regulation laws?

  1. The driver is violating the Basic Speed Law because hazardous road surface conditions require driving at a speed slower than the posted maximum limit to ensure safety.Answer
  2. B
    The driver is fully compliant with all traffic laws because active posted school zone limits set the mandatory statutory speed regardless of surface traction.
  3. C
    The driver is violating traffic rules by failing to maintain the standard 35 mph35\text{ mph} roadway speed limit, as school zone reductions apply only on dry pavement.
  4. D
    The driver is legally required to maintain 20 mph20\text{ mph} to avoid creating an unlawful traffic impediment for trailing vehicles in a designated school area.

Answer

The driver is violating the Basic Speed Law because hazardous road surface conditions require driving at a speed slower than the posted maximum limit to ensure safety.
The Basic Speed Law dictates that no person shall drive a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, traffic, and surface conditions. Because slick oil and rain prevent safe stopping above 12 mph12\text{ mph}, driving at 20 mph20\text{ mph} violates the law despite being at the posted maximum school zone limit.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the statutory posting vs. physical roadway conditions
The active posted school zone speed limit is 20 mph20\text{ mph}, but the road surface is extremely slick due to rain and oil.
Traffic law distinguishes between maximum posted limits under ideal conditions and required speeds during hazardous conditions.
2
Apply the Basic Speed Law to the situational hazard
The Basic Speed Law mandates that a driver must never operate a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent given actual weather, visibility, traffic, and roadway surface conditions.
Even though 20 mph20\text{ mph} is posted on the school zone sign, driving 20 mph20\text{ mph} when safe stopping requires 12 mph12\text{ mph} or less constitutes an illegal speed.
3
Select the option that reflects the overriding authority of the Basic Speed Law
The option stating that the driver violates the Basic Speed Law because surface conditions require a speed lower than the posted limit is correct.
Posted speed limits represent maximum legal speeds under ideal conditions, not an absolute right to travel at that speed when hazards are present.

Key Concept

Interdependence of the Basic Speed Law and Posted Maximum Speed Limits
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Speed Limits and Speed Regulation

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