What should a driver do when road conditions are icy?

When road conditions are icy, it is crucial for drivers to reduce their speed and increase their following distance. Icy roads can significantly decrease traction, making it more difficult for vehicles to stop or maneuver effectively. By driving at reduced speeds, drivers can maintain better control over their vehicle, allowing for more reaction time to any sudden stops or obstacles.

Increasing following distance is equally important on icy surfaces, as it provides a larger buffer zone that allows for safe stopping distances. This margin helps prevent collisions, as stopping distances can be much longer on ice compared to dry road conditions due to reduced grip.

Options like using cruise control are not advisable in icy conditions because it can limit a driver’s ability to react appropriately to a loss of traction. Driving at normal speeds is also unsafe, as it does not account for the hazardous conditions, which can lead to skidding or loss of control. Enabling high beams is not a safe choice either, as high beams can reflect off the ice, creating glare and reducing visibility further rather than improving it.

Thus, adjusting speed and increasing the following distance is the best approach to ensure safety when driving on icy roads.