How can a driver reduce the risk of a collision in poor weather conditions?

Driving at reduced speeds and increasing following distances is the best way to reduce the risk of a collision in poor weather conditions. When conditions are poor—such as rain, snow, fog, or ice—the roadway can become slippery, visibility can be limited, and stopping distances can increase significantly. By reducing speed, a driver allows more time to react to unexpected situations, whether it's the behavior of other vehicles or the road conditions themselves.

Increasing following distances is equally important since it provides an added buffer between vehicles. This extra space is crucial when driving in inclement weather because braking distances are longer, and the likelihood of skidding increases. Having this additional space gives drivers ample time to react to changes in traffic and avoid rear-end collisions.

Driving faster to get through bad weather quickly, maintaining the same speed as during clear conditions, or ignoring weather conditions can all lead to dangerous situations. These actions fail to account for the inherent risks associated with adverse weather, making them less effective and potentially causing more collisions.