When driving on slippery roads, you should:
Use alternate routes.
Drive as you would on dry roads.
Increase your following distance.
Avoid crossing bridges or intersections.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is “Increase your following distance.”
When driving on slippery roads, maintaining a safe following distance is crucial for preventing accidents. On icy, wet, or otherwise slippery surfaces, your vehicle takes longer to stop due to reduced traction between the tires and the road. If you are following another vehicle too closely, you may not have enough time or space to react if that vehicle stops suddenly. By increasing your following distance, you give yourself more time to respond to any changes in traffic conditions, which can help prevent rear-end collisions.
Here’s why increasing your following distance is vital on slippery roads:
- Reduced Traction: On slippery roads, your tires don’t grip the road as effectively, so stopping distances are significantly increased. The more space you leave between your car and the one ahead of you, the less chance you have of skidding into it if you need to stop suddenly.
- Braking Time: On slippery surfaces, it’s important to brake gently and gradually. Abrupt or hard braking can cause your vehicle to lose control and slide. By maintaining extra distance, you can brake more gradually, giving your car the best chance to stop safely.
- Unexpected Hazards: When driving on wet or icy roads, the likelihood of encountering unexpected hazards (like patches of ice or puddles) increases. A larger following distance allows you to react more calmly and effectively to such conditions.
While other options like using alternate routes or avoiding bridges may be helpful in certain conditions, increasing your following distance is the most universally applicable strategy for maintaining control and ensuring safety when driving on slippery roads.
Lastly, it’s important to adjust your driving habits by slowing down, keeping headlights on, and ensuring your vehicle is properly maintained (e.g., tires in good condition) for maximum safety.