What is a critical aspect of safe driving in adverse weather conditions?

Adjusting speed and maintaining distance is crucial for safe driving in adverse weather conditions. When weather elements such as rain, snow, fog, or ice are present, they can significantly affect road traction, visibility, and stopping distance. By reducing speed, a driver can improve their control over the vehicle and react more effectively to sudden changes or hazards on the road.

Maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead allows for increased reaction time in case the driver needs to stop or maneuver away from danger. This buffer is essential because adverse conditions can extend the time it takes to come to a complete stop, making it important to increase the following distance compared to normal driving conditions.

The other options fail to promote safe driving practices. Avoiding the brakes completely could lead to uncontrollable situations when sudden stops are necessary. Ignoring weather warnings endangers everyone on the road, and driving faster to stay ahead of a storm is not a safe strategy; it can increase the risk of losing control of the vehicle and encountering hazardous conditions.