What action is required when driving in adverse weather conditions?

When driving in adverse weather conditions, such as rain, fog, snow, or strong winds, it is essential to decrease speed and increase your following distance. This adjustment allows for better control of the vehicle and gives more time to react to any sudden stops, slides, or loss of traction that might occur due to the slippery or reduced visibility conditions.

Driving more slowly helps maintain control and reduces the distance needed to stop. By increasing your following distance, you provide yourself with an ample buffer space to react safely to the actions of other drivers or unexpected obstacles on the road. This is critical for safety, as adverse conditions often lead to increased stopping times and motor vehicle accidents when drivers maintain their usual speeds.

In contrast, adhering to the posted speed limit in bad weather can be dangerous since those limits are set based on ideal driving conditions, not the challenging conditions presented by rain or ice. Using high beams during heavy rain or fog can impair visibility rather than enhance it, because they can reflect off moisture and create a glare. Ignoring road signs goes against safe driving practices and can lead to dangerous situations, especially in adverse weather when extra caution is necessary.