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Difficulty: EasySpeed Limits and Speed Regulation

A driver is traveling on a highway with a posted speed limit of 45 mph45\text{ mph} when a sudden heavy rainstorm severely reduces visibility and creates standing water on the pavement. Under the Basic Speed Law, how must the driver regulate their speed?

  1. A
    Maintain a speed of 45 mph45\text{ mph}, because posted speed limits remain legally permissible regardless of weather conditions.
  2. Reduce speed to a safe and prudent rate that accounts for the rain and slippery road conditions.Answer
  3. C
    Increase speed slightly to pass through the rainstorm area as quickly as possible.
  4. D
    Drive at the posted limit while continuously tapping the brake pedal to alert trailing drivers.

Answer

The driver must reduce speed to a safe and prudent rate that accounts for the rain and slippery road conditions.
Under the Basic Speed Law, drivers must never operate a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent for existing conditions. Heavy rain, standing water, and reduced visibility impair vehicle traction and stopping distance, requiring the driver to slow down below the posted 45 mph45\text{ mph} limit.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the legal standard for speed regulation under hazardous conditions.
The Basic Speed Law dictates driving speed based on actual road and weather conditions rather than maximum posted limits alone.
Posted speed limits indicate the maximum lawful speed under ideal, clear conditions.
2
Determine the required driver action for heavy rain and standing water.
Slowing down below 45 mph45\text{ mph} is required to maintain proper traction and reaction time.
Driving at the maximum posted limit on wet, low-visibility roads violates the requirement to drive at a safe and prudent speed.

Key Concept

Basic Speed Law
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Speed Limits and Speed Regulation

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