BMV Practice Test

If the road is wet or slippery, what should you do when driving?

1. Increase your speed

2. Maintain normal driving speed

3. Reduce your speed significantly

4. Drive with caution but at the speed limit

The correct answer is: Reduce your speed significantly

When driving on wet or slippery roads, reducing your speed significantly is crucial for maintaining control of your vehicle. Wet surfaces can lead to decreased tire traction, which increases the risk of losing control. By slowing down, you give yourself more reaction time to deal with unexpected situations, such as other drivers braking suddenly or obstacles appearing on the road. Driving at a lower speed also allows for a longer stopping distance. When roads are slick, even a minor increase in speed can lead to skidding or hydroplaning, making it hard to control the vehicle. In such conditions, it is not only about adhering to the speed limit but also about adapting to the road's current state. Maintaining normal driving speed or trying to drive at the speed limit ignores the dangers posed by wet conditions. Increasing your speed would clearly be dangerous, as it would further increase the likelihood of losing control. Therefore, significantly reducing speed is the safest and most responsible choice when faced with wet or slippery driving conditions.