Roads are slippery after it first starts to rain. When the road is slippery, you should:
Answers
Avoid making turns and stops while driving at high speeds.
Test your tires’ traction while going uphill.
Decrease the distance you look ahead of your vehicle.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is: Avoid making turns and stops while driving at high speeds.
Explanation:
When it first starts raining, the road becomes particularly slippery because of a mixture of water and oil residue on the surface. This makes it much harder for tires to grip the road, increasing the risk of accidents. In these conditions, it’s crucial to adjust your driving habits to maintain control of your vehicle.
- Avoid making turns and stops while driving at high speeds: The most important adjustment you need to make when driving on slippery roads is to reduce your speed and avoid sharp turns and sudden stops. When you drive at high speeds, your vehicle is more likely to lose traction, especially when making turns or braking abruptly. This can cause your tires to slide, leading to a loss of control or even a skid. Slow down and make gentle turns to maintain better traction. Additionally, smooth, gradual braking is essential to avoid locking up the wheels and skidding.
- Test your tires’ traction while going uphill: Testing your tires’ traction while going uphill is not the most effective strategy when driving on slippery roads. While climbing a hill, if you lose traction, it could be difficult to regain control and continue driving safely. Instead, it’s better to avoid sudden accelerations and ensure your tires are in good condition before the trip.
- Decrease the distance you look ahead of your vehicle: This is the wrong approach. When driving in slippery conditions, it’s actually important to increase the distance you look ahead. This gives you more time to react to any obstacles or changes in road conditions. Looking farther ahead allows you to anticipate the need for turns or stops and to adjust your speed gradually.
In conclusion, when driving in the rain, maintaining control of your vehicle is key to safety. Slowing down, avoiding sudden maneuvers, and increasing your following distance are essential practices to minimize the risk of accidents on slippery roads.