Virginia Driving Laws and Safety Practice Test

Reducing speed and increasing following distance is crucial when driving in adverse weather conditions. Adverse weather such as rain, snow, fog, or ice can significantly decrease visibility and affect the traction between your tires and the road. By slowing down, you allow yourself more time to react to sudden changes in the environment or unexpected obstacles. Additionally, increasing the following distance gives you a larger buffer zone to stop safely, which is essential in slippery conditions where stopping distance can be greatly extended.

In contrast, using high beams may reduce visibility in fog or snow, and it can blind other drivers. Keeping windows open could lead to issues with maintaining control of the vehicle due to wind or distractions. Finally, avoiding seat belts is dangerous in any situation as they are critical for safety in the event of an accident, regardless of the weather conditions. Therefore, reducing speed and increasing following distance is the most effective measure to ensure safety while driving in adverse weather.