In rain or snow, which practice is recommended?

• A. Increase speed to maintain momentum.
• B. Reduce speed and increase following distance.
• C. Turn on high beams.
• D. Use your horn to warn others.

Answer: (B)

When roads are wet or snowy, slower speed and more space between you and the vehicle ahead are the safest habits. Reducing speed helps you maintain control on slick surfaces because tires grip less and stopping distances grow, so you’ll have better handling and more time to react to changes. Increasing following distance provides a larger safety buffer to stop safely if the car in front slows suddenly or you encounter a slippery patch, which is especially important as visibility and traction are reduced in bad weather.

Turning on high beams can actually hinder visibility in rain or snow by causing glare and reflections off the precipitation, making it harder to see. Using your horn doesn’t improve traction or stopping capability and can startle other drivers, which isn’t a reliable safety method in slick conditions. Increasing speed on wet or snowy roads is risky because it dramatically raises the chance of losing control.