CDL · Speed Management

On a wet road, how should you adjust your speed compared to dry conditions?

Correct answer

Reduce speed by about one-third

  1. A Reduce speed by about one-third
  2. B Maintain the same speed; modern tires handle wet roads well
  3. C Drive at half of the posted speed limit regardless of conditions
  4. D Reduce speed by about two-thirds

Why this is the answer

On a wet road, you should reduce your speed by about one-third compared to dry conditions. So if traffic and conditions on a dry road would have you at 55 mph, on wet pavement you would be down around 35 mph. On packed snow, reduce by one-half. On ice, reduce by two-thirds. The reasons are stopping distance and traction: wet pavement can double stopping distance, and a heavy vehicle hydroplanes more easily than a car. Hydroplaning can begin at speeds as low as 30 mph when there is enough water on the road, and is more likely with worn tires, underinflated tires, or in puddles. Driving below the posted limit when conditions require it is not only legal, it is mandatory under the basic speed rule that applies in every state.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual 2.6.4 Speed and Traction

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About this topic: Speed Management

Stopping distance grows with the square of speed, and traction drops on wet, snowy, or icy surfaces. Slowing down is the single most effective collision-avoidance technique. This is one of 3 General Knowledge questions on speed management, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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