Traction is affected by slippery conditions; in winter drivers should drive…?
- The same way they drive in summer
- In whatever fashion they choose
- Faster
- Slower ✓
Answer: D. Slower
In slippery winter conditions, you should drive slower than you would on ideal roads.
Why this is the answer
The handbook says the posted speed is only the maximum for ideal conditions. When roads are slippery or visibility is limited, you should choose a slower speed than normal. The chapter on environmental hazards makes the same point for snow, ice and other low-traction surfaces: slow down and use caution. So when traction drops in winter, reducing your speed is the right response.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. The same way they drive in summer — Driving the same as in summer ignores the handbook's point that the posted speed suits ideal conditions only and that slippery roads call for a slower speed.
- B. In whatever fashion they choose — Driving however you choose ignores the handbook's direction to pick a speed that fits the conditions, including slowing down on low-traction surfaces.
- C. Faster — Driving faster goes against the handbook's advice to slow down and use caution when traction is reduced by rain, snow or ice.
Remember it
Treat the posted limit as a fair-weather ceiling, not a target — when grip drops, your speed should drop with it.