Final answer:
The statement is true; it is a driver's responsibility to slow down on wet and slippery roads, regardless of the posted speed limit, to ensure safety through adequate stopping distances.
Step-by-step explanation:
When road conditions are wet and slippery, it is indeed a driver's responsibility to adjust their speed accordingly, even if this means driving below the posted speed limit. True to this statement, driving safely in these circumstances is paramount to prevent accidents. Unlike dry conditions where one can usually rely on the posted limits, wet conditions significantly reduce tire grip on the road and increase stopping distances. It is critical to acknowledge that the coefficient of friction between the tires and the wet road is lower than on dry pavement, reflecting a decrease in traction. This fact, coupled with the knowledge that reaction time contributes significantly to the total stopping distance, means drivers must slow down to maintain safe stopping distances.
The examples provided illustrate various scenarios where drivers either ignored speed limits or encountered sudden obstacles, reiterating the importance of adapting to road conditions. A traffic signal, as mentioned, forces drivers to slowdown, which is in the same spirit of adjusting to road conditions to ensure safety.