How should you adjust your speed when road conditions are poor due to snow and ice?

When road conditions are poor due to snow and ice, it is essential to reduce your speed to maintain control of the vehicle. Snow and ice can significantly decrease traction, making it more difficult to steer, stop, and accelerate. By adjusting to a slower speed, you give yourself more time to react to any unforeseen circumstances, such as other vehicles sliding or losing control, or when encountering patches of ice that may not be visible at higher speeds.

Driving faster in an attempt to avoid skidding can lead to losing control as it diminishes your ability to respond promptly to hazards. Maintaining normal speed is risky since standard driving speeds are based on optimal conditions, which do not apply in inclement weather. Moreover, only slowing down when observing other drivers doing so can be dangerous, as it can lead to misjudgments about road conditions. Therefore, proactively reducing speed allows for safer maneuvering in challenging driving environments.