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Difficulty: MediumSpeed Control and Following Distance

You are driving on a two-lane rural road where the posted speed limit is 50 mph50\text{ mph}. Sudden heavy rain creates standing water on the pavement and significantly reduces visibility. According to the Basic Speed Law, which of the following actions is legally required?

  1. Reduce your speed to a rate that is reasonable and prudent for the wet road conditions, even if it is below 50 mph50\text{ mph}.Answer
  2. B
    Maintain your speed at exactly 50 mph50\text{ mph} as long as you do not exceed the posted maximum limit.
  3. C
    Maintain 50 mph50\text{ mph} while decreasing your following distance to 2 seconds to keep the lead vehicle's lights in view.
  4. D
    Increase your speed slightly to pass through the zone of standing water as quickly as possible.

Answer

Reduce your speed to a rate that is reasonable and prudent for the wet road conditions, even if it is below 50 mph50\text{ mph}.
The Basic Speed Law states that you must never drive faster than is safe for existing conditions, regardless of posted speed limits. When heavy rain and standing water impair traction and visibility, lowering vehicle speed below the posted maximum is necessary to maintain control and ensure safe stopping distances.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze environmental conditions and posted limits
Identify that standing water and heavy rain reduce traction and visibility on a 50 mph50\text{ mph} road.
Posted speed limits apply only under ideal driving conditions.
2
Apply the Basic Speed Law regulation
Determine that drivers must never drive faster than is safe for current road and weather conditions.
Safety requires lowering speed when road surface friction and visibility drop.

Key Concept

Basic Speed Law and Weather Adjustments
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Speed Control and Following Distance

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