Final answer:
The safest practice when driving on snow and ice is to reduce speed and proceed with extreme caution, not to decrease following distance or use cruise control. Winter tires with better traction and salting the roads can improve safety in these conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
When driving on snow and ice, the correct answer is to reduce speed and proceed with extreme caution. Decreasing following distance could greatly increase the risk of collision due to reduced traction and longer stopping distances in icy conditions. Using cruise control on slick surfaces is also dangerous because it hampers the driver's ability to make immediate adjustments to speed in response to changing road conditions. Therefore, it is imperative that drivers adapt their behavior during winter conditions to maintain safety on the road by slowing down and being more vigilant. It's important to note that the efficiency of fuel consumption and the coldness of the winter are separate issues that do not directly inform the decision to drive more cautiously on icy roads.
As part of safe driving practices in cold weather, choosing tires with better traction, such as winter tires, is essential. More friction is desirable in cases where a secure grip is needed, such as using non-slip mats in wet areas to prevent falling. Putting salt on the roads is a method used to lower the freezing point of water, which helps to melt the snow and ice and improve road conditions.