Which action is best for defensive driving on a snowy road?

Accelerating and braking gently is critical for defensive driving on a snowy road. Snow and ice diminish traction, which can make sudden movements like hard braking or rapid acceleration lead to loss of control over the vehicle. By accelerating gently, you allow your tires to grip the surface without losing traction, while gentle braking ensures that you can reduce your speed without skidding. This measured approach helps maintain control, allowing the driver to respond effectively to sudden changes in road conditions or obstacles.

In contrast, maintaining usual speed can be dangerous since road conditions may be unpredictable, and typical driving speeds can exceed what the vehicle can safely handle. Using cruise control is also ill-advised in snowy conditions, as it can lead to unintended acceleration when traction is lost, making it harder to control the vehicle. Lastly, braking hard is likely to cause the vehicle to skid or slide, increasing the risk of an accident. Therefore, the safest strategy for navigating snowy roads is to accelerate and brake gently.