Final answer:
Under heavy traffic or in bad weather conditions, a driver should slow down and increase the following distance from the vehicle ahead. This gives the driver more time to react and allows for increased braking distance which becomes important in bad weather conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
When faced with heavy traffic or bad weather conditions, a driver should not maintain or increase their speed like they potentially would in normal conditions. Instead, option c is correct: they should slow down and increase the following distance from the vehicle in front. This allows more time for the driver to react to any unexpected movement from the vehicle ahead. For example, take the scenario involving Peter, a 23-year-old driver. In his case, he was tailgating an older driver, which is dangerous behavior and can lead to accidents, especially under severe conditions. If weather conditions were adverse, such as heavy rain or snow, this could potentially lead to a dangerous situation due to decreased visibility and increased braking distance. Applying the concept related to physics, slowing down the car gives the driver longer reaction time to apply the brakes and stop the car. This can be crucial especially in bad weather when the stopping distance is increased due to slippery roads. Therefore, to answer how a driver should operate under heavy traffic or bad weather conditions, it is most advisable to slow down and increase the following distance.
Learn more about Safe Driving