What should drivers do in adverse weather conditions?

In adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, fog, or ice, it is crucial for drivers to adjust their driving behavior to maintain safety. Reducing speed helps drivers maintain better control of their vehicle since traction can be significantly compromised in slippery or reduced visibility conditions. When the speed is lowered, it allows for more time to react to unexpected situations or obstacles that may arise on the road.

Increasing the following distance is equally important because it provides a larger safety margin between vehicles. In poor weather conditions, the stopping distances required to safely halt a vehicle are longer. By allowing more space, drivers can prevent collisions and have better opportunities to respond to other drivers' actions or emergency situations. Therefore, both reducing speed and increasing following distance are essential tactics for safe driving in adverse weather conditions.

Driving at the posted speed limit may not be safe in these situations, as the limit is often set for ideal conditions, and increasing speed would further reduce vehicle control and reaction time. The use of high beam headlights can actually be counterproductive in fog or heavy rain, as it can reflect light back into the driver's eyes, reducing visibility even further.