When is it critical to reduce speed according to driving safety guidelines?

Reducing speed in wet or slippery conditions is critical because these conditions significantly reduce traction between the tires and the road, increasing the likelihood of losing control of the vehicle. Wet or icy roads can lead to longer stopping distances and make it harder to steer safely. Slower speeds provide drivers with additional time to react to unforeseen circumstances, such as obstacles on the road or sudden stops by other vehicles. Driving at a reduced speed in these conditions is essential to maintaining control of the vehicle and ensuring the safety of all road users.

In contrast, while adjusting speed is important during clear weather, approaching traffic signals, and in residential areas, the urgency to slow down is particularly heightened in adverse weather. Each of those other scenarios has its own marked hazards, but wet or slippery conditions universally call for heightened caution due to their effect on vehicle handling and stopping ability.