Final answer:
The correct action to take when driving on a slippery road is to slow down gradually. This helps maintain control of the vehicle and provides more time to respond to hazards. It's also important to use appropriate tires and understand how friction and speed affect vehicle control.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you must drive on a slippery road, the correct action to take is c. Slow down gradually. This is because it increases the time you have to react to hazards and decreases the likelihood of losing control of the vehicle. You should avoid using a smaller following distance as that could lead to collisions if you need to stop quickly. In addition, it is ill-advised to apply the brakes while on curves, especially when the road is slippery, as this can cause skidding or sliding. Instead, you should reduce your speed before entering the curve and maintain a steady speed throughout it to avoid loss of traction.
Other Safety Considerations on Slippery Roads:
- Ensure your tires are appropriate for the conditions and provide enough traction. Winter tires might be necessary in snowy or icy conditions for increased friction.
- If the car is taking a banked curve, calculate the ideal speed to avoid sliding toward the inside of the curve.
- Remember that if a car is moving on a straight road at a constant speed, it is in a state of dynamic equilibrium.
- Understand that if an abrupt force (such as applying brakes harshly) is applied, the coefficient of friction between the tires and the road plays a significant role in how the car will react.