Alberta Written Drivers Learners Test Practice

What should you do when driving in icy conditions?

1. Speed up to avoid slipping

2. Use your high beams

3. Slow down and increase your following distance

4. Stay in the left lane only

The correct answer is: Slow down and increase your following distance

In icy conditions, slowing down and increasing your following distance is crucial for maintaining control of your vehicle and ensuring safety. Ice can significantly reduce traction, making it more challenging to stop or maneuver your vehicle effectively. By reducing your speed, you give yourself more time to react to any changes in road conditions and potential hazards, such as other vehicles or obstacles. Additionally, increasing your following distance allows for greater reaction time should the vehicle in front of you need to stop suddenly or experience a loss of control. In icy conditions, standard stopping distances may need to be doubled or even tripled, since icy roads substantially increase the distance required to safely stop your vehicle. Driving faster or at a regular speed on icy roads increases the risk of sliding or losing control. Using high beams is generally not recommended in such conditions because they can cause glare and reduce visibility when reflecting off the ice. Staying only in the left lane does not address the need for cautious driving throughout all lanes, as ice can affect any part of the roadway. Therefore, adopting a more conservative driving approach is the safest strategy in icy conditions.