A 3-minute lesson from the Arkansas course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
The faster you go, the farther it takes to slow or stop. Your tires are your only contact with the road, so rain, snow, ice and curves all call for less speed than the posted limit.
225 feet
Total distance the average car at 55 mph needs to stop
Slow down before curves, on slippery roads, and when standing water is on the road. If conditions turn unsafe while you're at the maximum speed, reduce your speed. With worn tire tread on wet or icy roads, drive below the posted limit.
A summer storm starts as you drive home at 60 mph. The first minutes of rain make the road oily and slick. Ease off the gas, turn on headlights and wipers, and stay well under 50 mph, where tires can lose all grip in heavy rain.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
On packed snow, how should you adjust your speed?
Reduce it by about 10 mph
Cut your speed in half
Reduce it by about a quarter
Keep the posted speed limit
Answer: Cut your speed in half
The handbook advises cutting your speed in half when driving on packed snow.