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Difficulty: EasySpeed Control and Following Distance

You are driving on a highway during a heavy rainstorm where water is pooling on the pavement. Although the posted speed limit is 55 mph55\text{ mph}, driving at that speed causes your vehicle to lose traction. According to the Basic Speed Law, which action are you required to take?

  1. Reduce your speed below the posted limit to a rate that is safe for current road and weather conditions.Answer
  2. B
    Maintain your speed at 55 mph55\text{ mph} because driving at the posted speed limit is always legally protected.
  3. C
    Keep a standard three-second following distance while maintaining your current speed.
  4. D
    Increase your speed slightly to pass surrounding traffic and exit the storm area more quickly.

Answer

Reduce your speed below the posted limit to a rate that is safe for current road and weather conditions.
Under the Basic Speed Law, drivers must adjust their speed to what is safe for current environmental and road conditions. When wet roads cause traction loss, drivers are legally required to reduce speed below the posted limit.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the current environmental hazards
Heavy rain and standing water reduce tire traction and visibility.
Hazardous road conditions increase stopping distances and risk of traction loss.
2
Apply the Basic Speed Law rule
The legal maximum speed under hazardous conditions is lower than the posted maximum limit.
The Basic Speed Law states that speed must be adjusted to what is safe and reasonable for conditions.

Key Concept

Basic Speed Law in Adverse Weather
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Topics

Speed Control and Following Distance

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