When driving in adverse conditions such as rain or snow, how should you adjust your speed?

Reducing speed in adverse conditions like rain or snow is crucial for maintaining vehicle control and ensuring safety. When the road is slippery, traction is compromised, increasing the likelihood of skidding or losing control of the vehicle. By lowering your speed, you give yourself more time to react to unexpected situations, such as a sudden stop from another vehicle or a slippery patch of road.

Additionally, reducing speed allows you to increase your following distance. This added space between your vehicle and the one in front of you can be vital in wet or icy conditions, as it takes longer to stop on slippery surfaces. A greater following distance also gives you more time to identify potential hazards ahead and respond appropriately.

In contrast, increasing speed or maintaining the same speed would heighten the risk of accidents. Using cruise control can further diminish your ability to react quickly to changing conditions, as it might cause your vehicle to maintain a speed unsuitable for the road conditions. Therefore, adjusting your speed downward is the safest choice in adverse weather situations.