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Difficulty: EasyStopping and Following Distances

When driving in wet weather, tyre grip is significantly reduced on wet road surfaces. How does this affect your vehicle's total stopping distance compared to dry conditions?

  1. It doubles the stopping distanceAnswer
  2. B
    It increases the stopping distance by up to ten times
  3. C
    It keeps the stopping distance unchanged provided tyres have legal tread
  4. D
    It reduces the stopping distance by half

Answer

It doubles the stopping distance
According to the UK Highway Code, stopping distances in wet conditions are at least double what they are on dry roads because water lowers the friction between tyres and the road surface.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the prevailing environmental condition and the rule governing road grip.
The driving condition is wet weather.
Water on the road surface forms a barrier between the tyres and tarmac, reducing tyre traction.
2
Apply the official UK Highway Code multiplier for wet weather stopping distances.
Stopping distances are at least double those on dry roads.
The Highway Code establishes that stopping distances in the wet are at least double the normal dry distance, requiring drivers to double their separation gap.

Key Concept

Highway Code wet weather stopping distance multiplier
Estimated Time:30s
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Topics

Stopping and Following Distances

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