During adverse weather, what is the recommended defensive driving strategy?

Increasing following distance and decreasing speed is the recommended defensive driving strategy during adverse weather conditions. Adverse weather can include rain, snow, ice, fog, or severe storms, all of which can significantly impact road conditions and vehicle handling. By increasing your following distance, you provide yourself with more time to react to any sudden changes or hazards, such as braking vehicles or obstacles on the road. A greater distance between your truck and the vehicle in front of you helps reduce the risk of collisions, allowing for more reaction time to respond to emergencies.

Decreasing speed is also crucial as it gives you better control of your vehicle in slippery or reduced visibility conditions. Driving at a lower speed helps prevent skidding and allows you to navigate turns and curves more safely. This combination of increasing following distance and reducing speed is essential for maintaining safety, as both factors contribute to enhanced reaction time and control in challenging driving situations.

In contrast, other strategies might compromise safety, such as staying in the left lane to avoid slower traffic, which can increase potential conflicts with other vehicles. Keeping the same speed as other vehicles can also be dangerous if those vehicles are moving too fast for the conditions. Using high beam headlights may not be effective in bad weather, as they can reflect off rain or