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Difficulty: MediumSpeed Limits and Speed Regulation

A driver is traveling on a two-lane highway with a posted speed limit of 55 mph55\text{ mph}. As a dense fog bank rolls in, forward visibility drops to less than 50 feet50\text{ feet}. Under the Basic Speed Law, what is the legally required action regarding the vehicle's speed?

  1. Reduce speed to a rate that allows the vehicle to stop safely within the visible distance ahead, even if far below 55 mph55\text{ mph}.Answer
  2. B
    Maintain the posted speed limit of 55 mph55\text{ mph} as long as the vehicle remains completely within its designated lane.
  3. C
    Reduce speed by a mandatory fixed decrement of exactly 5 mph5\text{ mph} below the posted limit to fulfill statutory bad weather compliance.
  4. D
    Maintain 55 mph55\text{ mph} while activating high-beam headlights to extend visible sight distance.

Answer

The driver must reduce speed to a rate that allows stopping within the clear visible distance ahead, regardless of the posted limit.
Under the Basic Speed Law, 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. In thick fog where visibility is reduced to under 50 feet50\text{ feet}, a driver cannot safely stop in time for hazards at 55 mph55\text{ mph}, making a speed reduction legally mandatory.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary legal rule governing vehicle speed during hazardous weather conditions.
The Basic Speed Law supersedes posted maximum speed limits.
Posted speed limits apply under ideal road, weather, and traffic conditions.
2
Analyze the impact of reduced visibility on safe driving.
Visibility under 50 feet50\text{ feet} significantly decreases the safe stopping window.
Drivers must always operate at a speed that allows them to bring the vehicle to a complete stop within the distance they can see ahead.
3
Determine the required legal response.
Slow down significantly below the posted 55 mph55\text{ mph} limit.
Operating at the posted maximum limit when visibility is severely compromised constitutes illegal and unsafe driving under traffic law.

Key Concept

Basic Speed Law in Adverse Weather Conditions
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Speed Limits and Speed Regulation

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