In adverse weather, what adjustment to speed and following distance is recommended?

• A. Maintain your speed and the following distance
• B. Reduce speed and increase following distance
• C. Increase speed and decrease following distance
• D. Use cruise control to maintain steady speed

Answer: (B)

In adverse weather, your tires have less grip and stopping distances are longer, so the safest approach is to slow down and increase the distance to the vehicle ahead. Reducing speed helps you maintain control on slick surfaces, and a larger following distance gives you more time to react if the car in front brakes suddenly or conditions change. Keeping your current speed with the same gap doesn’t account for the longer stopping distance, which can lead to a rear-end crash. Increasing speed while narrowing the gap is especially dangerous in rain, snow, or ice. Cruise control is not ideal in these conditions because it can maintain a speed that you may not be able to safely handle as road conditions change.