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Difficulty: MediumDriving in Adverse Weather and Low Visibility

You are driving on a paved asphalt road when a light rain begins to fall after several weeks of hot, dry weather. Which of the following actions is safest and correctly accounts for the road conditions during the first few minutes of rainfall?

  1. Reduce speed and increase following distance, because oil and grease accumulated on the road surface mix with water to create extremely slippery conditions.Answer
  2. B
    Maintain the posted numerical speed limit as long as visibility remains clear, because light rainfall does not affect tire traction.
  3. C
    Switch on high-beam headlights immediately to improve visibility through wet surface reflections.
  4. D
    Apply firm brake pressure periodically to pump water out from underneath your tire treads.

Answer

Reduce speed and increase following distance, because oil and grease accumulated on the road surface mix with water to create extremely slippery conditions.
The correct response recognizes that oil and engine fluid deposits build up on dry roads over extended periods. When light rain first starts, these substances float on the thin film of water, creating maximum slipperiness before heavy rain can wash them off. Drivers must reduce speed and lengthen following distance immediately.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the environmental hazard
Light rain starting after a long dry period creates severe traction loss
Engine oil, grease, and dirt build up on dry pavement over time and rise to the surface when wet.
2
Apply defensive driving principles and speed rules
Slow down below the posted limit and enlarge the safety cushion
Slower speeds and longer following distances reduce stopping distances and skid risk on slick surfaces.

Key Concept

Road surface slipperiness during initial rainfall
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Driving in Adverse Weather and Low Visibility

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