What should you keep in mind when traveling in adverse weather conditions?

When traveling in adverse weather conditions, increasing your following distance is essential for safe driving. Adverse weather such as rain, snow, fog, or ice can significantly reduce visibility, traction, and overall control of the vehicle. By increasing the distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you, you have more time to react to sudden stops or emergencies. This is crucial as it allows for a longer braking distance, which is especially important on slick or slippery roads where stopping can require much longer distances than under ideal driving conditions.

Maintaining the posted speed limit may not be suitable in adverse weather; it is often too fast to ensure safety given the conditions. Using cruise control in such situations can be dangerous, as it may not allow for quick adjustments to changes in speed or road conditions. Additionally, not using headlights is contrary to recommended practices; in many cases of reduced visibility, using headlights enhances your ability to see and be seen by other drivers.