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Difficulty: MediumFreeway, Highway, and Expressway Driving Rules

You are driving on a multi-lane freeway with a posted maximum speed limit of 65 mph when heavy traffic suddenly causes vehicles ahead to decelerate to 30 mph. Under freeway driving rules and the basic speed law, which action is legally required?

  1. Reduce your speed to match the slowed traffic while maintaining a safe following distance.Answer
  2. B
    Maintain 65 mph as long as possible because posted maximum speed limits grant right-of-way over traffic slowdowns.
  3. C
    Drive onto the paved left shoulder to pass the congested traffic and reach an upcoming exit.
  4. D
    Cross solid yellow lines into the median crossover lane to turn around and avoid the delay.

Answer

Reduce your speed to match the slowed traffic while maintaining a safe following distance.
Under the basic speed law, drivers must adjust their speed downward when heavy traffic, weather, or road hazards require it. Even if the posted maximum limit is 65 mph, safe driving and traffic regulations mandate slowing to match the 30 mph flow while maintaining a safe cushion.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the change in traffic conditions ahead.
Recognize that traffic flow has slowed from 65 mph to 30 mph.
Hazard anticipation requires reacting promptly to changes in freeway traffic speed.
2
Apply the basic speed law to determine safe vehicle operation.
Slow down smoothly to match the 30 mph flow while preserving a 3 to 4 second following distance.
The basic speed law states that you must never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the posted maximum speed limit.

Key Concept

Basic Speed Law Compliance on Freeways
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Freeway, Highway, and Expressway Driving Rules

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