Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumSpeed Control and Following Distance

A driver transitions from a smooth paved highway onto an unpaved loose gravel road in clear daylight. How should the driver adjust speed control and following distance under these road surface conditions?

  1. Reduce speed and increase following distance to account for reduced tire traction.Answer
  2. B
    Maintain the posted speed limit and standard following distance as long as weather visibility remains clear.
  3. C
    Keep the standard three-second following distance because unpaved surfaces do not alter straight-line braking distance.
  4. D
    Maintain the posted speed limit but decrease following distance to prevent dust from obstructing line of sight.

Answer

Reduce speed and increase following distance to account for reduced tire traction.
On loose gravel roads, tire traction is substantially lower than on paved asphalt. To maintain proper vehicle control and prevent rear-end collisions, a driver must reduce speed below the posted maximum limit and increase following distance beyond the standard three seconds.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the change in road surface conditions.
Transitioning from smooth asphalt to loose gravel reduces tire traction.
Friction between the tires and the roadway is lower on loose gravel.
2
Analyze the impact on vehicle control and braking distance.
Braking distances increase and skidding risks rise on loose surfaces.
Tires roll and slide over loose stones rather than gripping solid pavement.
3
Determine the appropriate adjustments under safe driving laws.
The driver must reduce speed below the posted highway limit and expand the following distance beyond three seconds.
The Basic Speed Law mandates speed adjustments for road hazards, requiring a larger safety cushion.

Key Concept

Speed Control and Following Distance on Loose Surfaces
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Rate this question

Topics

Speed Control and Following Distance

More questions from this topic