Which statement about winter driving is true?

• A. Following distance should be greatly increased because stopping distance on snow and ice increases by 3 to 15 times
• B. Following distance should be the same as in dry conditions
• C. Only speed needs adjustment, not following distance
• D. Never drive in snow or ice

Answer: (A)

Winter driving requires a much larger following distance because traction is reduced on snow and ice, so your stopping distance increases significantly. When roads are slick, your vehicle takes longer to slow down and you can skid if you brake hard or steer abruptly. That’s why the distance to the vehicle ahead must be extended well beyond what you’d use in dry conditions. The fact that stopping distance on snowy or icy pavement can be three to fifteen times longer than on dry pavement means you need substantially more space to react and stop safely.

Relying on speed adjustments alone won’t guarantee safety, since even with slower speeds you can encounter sudden slows or stops by the vehicle ahead or slick patches that you didn’t anticipate. Driving in winter doesn’t mean avoiding the roads altogether; it means adjusting how you space yourself and how you brake—gentle, gradual braking and longer headways are essential. In heavy winter conditions, aim for a much longer following distance (several seconds more than usual) and adapt to visibility, tire condition, and road texture.