How do weather conditions generally affect braking distance?

• A. They shorten stopping distance.
• B. Wet, icy, or snowy conditions increase stopping distance and require slower speeds and greater following distances.
• C. Weather has no effect.
• D. They allow faster stopping with ABS.

Answer: (B)

Braking distance grows when traction is reduced by weather. In wet, icy, or snowy conditions the tire-road grip decreases, so tires take longer to slow down and stop. That’s why you need to reduce speed and increase following distance to give yourself enough space to stop safely.

ABS helps prevent wheel lock and lets you steer while braking, but it doesn’t automatically shorten the stopping distance in slick conditions—the friction available to slow the car is still reduced, so the total distance can still be longer than on dry pavement.