How should you respond to adverse weather conditions like rain or snow?

When driving in adverse weather conditions such as rain or snow, reducing your speed and increasing your following distance is crucial for maintaining safety on the road. Slippery surfaces caused by rain or snow can significantly affect your vehicle's traction, making it harder to stop quickly or maneuver effectively. By lowering your speed, you provide yourself with more time to react to unexpected situations or obstacles.

Increasing your following distance is equally important because it creates a larger buffer zone between you and the vehicle in front of you. This extra space allows for safer stopping distances, which are extended in wet or icy conditions. The general rule is to allow at least two to three seconds of distance, but in poor weather, it is wise to increase this time even more.

In contrast, maintaining speed and following distance could lead to loss of control of the vehicle and increase the likelihood of accidents. Turning on hazard lights may alert other drivers of your presence, but it does not change your vehicle's handling characteristics in poor weather. Lastly, driving in the left lane to avoid puddles may not be safe or practical, as it could lead to unexpected lane changes and increase the risk of accidents.