When operating your vehicle on ice or snow, how much longer does it take to stop compared to dry pavement?

When driving on ice or snow, it is crucial to understand that the vehicle's tires have significantly reduced traction compared to dry pavement. This lack of grip is a primary reason it takes much longer to bring a vehicle to a stop in winter conditions.

The correct answer indicates that stopping distances can increase anywhere from eight to twelve times longer on ice or snow than on dry surfaces. This extended stopping distance is due to several factors, including the slippery surface, which causes the tires to skid rather than effectively grip the road. When braking, the vehicle may slide further prior to coming to a complete stop, resulting in greater distance traveled before halting fully.

Awareness of this increased stopping distance is essential for safe driving in winter weather. Drivers should adjust their speed accordingly, maintain greater distances from other vehicles, and be particularly cautious when approaching stop signs, traffic signals, and turns. Similarly, the other response options suggest various levels of increased stopping distances but do not accurately convey the average range experienced in snowy or icy conditions as effectively as the correct choice.