Speed limits
The road is covered in ice. By how much does the handbook say you should reduce your speed?
- To no more than 5 mph. Correct answer
- By 5 to 10 mph.
- By half.
Why
The handbook gives three different adjustments for three surfaces, and they are easy to mix up. On a wet road, reduce your speed by 5 to 10 mph. On packed snow, cut your speed in half. On ice, slow to no more than 5 mph, because there is almost no traction left at all. Ice also hides: shaded stretches under trees or buildings freeze first and thaw last, and bridges and overpasses freeze before the rest of the road. Leave far more space ahead than usual, avoid fast turns and quick stops, and if you drive in snowy areas, carry the right number and type of chains for your vehicle.
Where this comes from
California Driver's Handbook, DL 600 ENGLISH (REV. 6/2025). The correct answer is To no more than 5 mph..
- Section 8. Safe Driving › Understand the Road Conditions › Slippery Roads , page 61
- Section 8. Safe Driving › Understand the Road Conditions › Slippery Roads , page 61
- Section 8. Safe Driving › Understand the Road Conditions › Slippery Roads , page 62
- Section 8. Safe Driving › Understand the Road Conditions › Skids › Slippery Surface Skids , page 60
- Section 8. Safe Driving › Understand the Road Conditions › Slippery Roads , page 61