What should you do if road conditions are poor due to snow or ice?

Reducing speed and increasing following distance is paramount when road conditions are poor due to snow or ice. Lowering your speed allows for better control of the vehicle, giving you more time to react to any unforeseen hazards. This is particularly important on slippery surfaces where traction is compromised.

In addition to driving more slowly, increasing the following distance from the vehicle ahead of you is essential because it provides additional space to stop if the vehicle in front suddenly brakes or slows down. Standard recommendations suggest maintaining a following distance of at least four to six seconds during adverse conditions, compared to the usual two to three seconds in good weather.

Having your headlights on is also a best practice for ensuring visibility, which is why turning them off to conserve battery is not advisable in poor conditions. Lastly, staying in the center lane does not guarantee better traction; in fact, the outer lanes may be more well-maintained or cleared of snow, making lane selection an important consideration separate from general driving behavior in poor conditions.