During adverse weather conditions, what should you do when driving?

Reducing your speed and increasing your following distance during adverse weather conditions is essential for maintaining safety on the road. Adverse weather, such as rain, snow, fog, or ice, can significantly impair visibility and road traction. By slowing down, you allow yourself more time to react to any sudden changes in traffic or road conditions.

Increasing following distance is just as critical; it gives you a greater margin of safety and time to stop should the vehicle in front of you suddenly brake or face an obstacle. Standard driving practices assume ideal conditions, and altered settings like wet or slippery roads require a more cautious approach. Avoiding fast driving or adhering strictly to the regular speed limit in these situations can lead to accidents, as it does not account for the decrease in control or traction that such conditions create.

Choosing to rely solely on fog lights or maintaining a regular speed limit may not provide adequate safety measures under poor visibility or slippery conditions. These approaches do not align with defensive driving strategies, which prioritize adjusting to the current driving conditions to minimize risks.