Question

Difficulty: EasySpeed Control and Following Distance

You are driving on a multi-lane roadway where the posted speed limit is 55 mph55\text{ mph}. As traffic becomes heavily congested and slows down, which of the following actions is required under the Basic Speed Law?

  1. Reduce your speed below the posted limit to match safe traffic conditions and maintain a proper following distance.Answer
  2. B
    Maintain 55 mph55\text{ mph} because it is legally permissible to drive at the posted speed limit at all times.
  3. C
    Reduce your following distance to less than one second to maintain your position in line.
  4. D
    Keep driving at 55 mph55\text{ mph} until you pass an official sign indicating a lower speed limit.

Answer

Reduce your speed below the posted limit to match safe traffic conditions and maintain a proper following distance.
Under the Basic Speed Law, drivers must never operate a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent given traffic, weather, and road conditions. When traffic becomes congested, reducing speed below the posted limit is legally required to maintain safe vehicle control and following distance.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze current road and traffic conditions.
Heavy congestion requires a lower speed than the maximum posted speed limit for safety.
The Basic Speed Law requires drivers to adjust speed based on weather, visibility, and traffic congestion.
2
Select the required safe driving practice.
Slow down to a safe speed and maintain a proper following distance.
This prevents rear-end collisions and ensures compliance with traffic safety rules.

Key Concept

Basic Speed Law and Safe Following Distance
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