On a snow-packed road, by how much should you reduce your speed?

On a snow-packed road, by how much should you reduce your speed?

• A. At least 1/2
• B. At least 1/4
• C. At least 3/4
• D. None

Answer: (A)

Traction on snow-packed pavement is greatly reduced, so you must cut your speed to maintain control and give yourself more time to react and stop. Reducing speed by at least half provides a safer margin because braking distances grow dramatically when grip is poor. If you normally drive 40 mph, aim for about 20 mph in snowy conditions; if visibility or snow depth worsens, drop further. Also increase following distance and use smooth, gradual steering and braking to avoid skidding. Reducing less than half wouldn’t compensate for the loss of traction, while reducing more than half isn’t usually necessary unless conditions are especially bad, making the at-least-half guidance the best approach.

Traction on snow-packed pavement is greatly reduced, so you must cut your speed to maintain control and give yourself more time to react and stop. Reducing speed by at least half provides a safer margin because braking distances grow dramatically when grip is poor. If you normally drive 40 mph, aim for about 20 mph in snowy conditions; if visibility or snow depth worsens, drop further. Also increase following distance and use smooth, gradual steering and braking to avoid skidding. Reducing less than half wouldn’t compensate for the loss of traction, while reducing more than half isn’t usually necessary unless conditions are especially bad, making the at-least-half guidance the best approach.