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Difficulty: EasySpeed Limits and Speed Regulation

A driver enters a rural highway with a posted maximum speed limit of 55 mph55\text{ mph}. Heavy fog suddenly reduces visibility to less than 50 feet50\text{ feet}. According to the Basic Speed Law, what is the driver required to do?

  1. Reduce speed to a rate that is safe for the reduced visibility conditions, regardless of the posted limit.Answer
  2. B
    Maintain 55 mph55\text{ mph} because driving below the posted maximum is illegal.
  3. C
    Increase speed to clear the foggy area as quickly as possible.
  4. D
    Maintain 55 mph55\text{ mph} as long as low-beam headlights are activated.

Answer

The driver must reduce speed to a rate that is safe for the reduced visibility conditions, regardless of the posted speed limit.
The Basic Speed Law states that no person shall drive at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, traffic, and surface conditions. In thick fog with low visibility, driving at the posted maximum is unsafe and illegal.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify environmental driving hazards
Heavy fog restricts visibility to under 50 feet50\text{ feet}.
Severe weather impairs stopping sight distance.
2
Apply the Basic Speed Law requirement
Determine that the posted limit of 55 mph55\text{ mph} is no longer safe.
The Basic Speed Law requires driving at a reasonable speed for current road and weather conditions regardless of posted signs.

Key Concept

Basic Speed Law during adverse weather conditions
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Speed Limits and Speed Regulation

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