During adverse weather conditions, what is a recommended driving practice?

In adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or fog, increasing the following distance is crucial for maintaining safety on the road. This practice allows for more reaction time, which is essential when road conditions are slippery or visibility is reduced. With a greater distance between vehicles, the driver can better respond to unexpected changes, like a sudden stop from the vehicle in front or obstacles on the road. This added buffer helps prevent accidents by ensuring that drivers can stop safely without colliding with the car ahead.

In contrast, driving at the speed limit during adverse weather can be dangerous if conditions warrant a reduction in speed. Using cruise control is also not advisable since it can prevent the driver from responding quickly to slippery conditions. Finally, turning off headlights reduces visibility, which is particularly hazardous in inclement weather when visibility is already compromised. Therefore, increasing following distance stands out as the best recommendation for safer driving under these challenging circumstances.