What must a commercial vehicle operator do in adverse weather conditions?

A commercial vehicle operator must adjust speed and increase following distance in adverse weather conditions to ensure safety. Adverse weather, such as rain, snow, fog, or ice, can significantly impair visibility and road traction, making it more challenging to control the vehicle. By reducing speed, the operator gives themselves more time to react to unforeseen circumstances, such as sudden stops by other vehicles or changes in road conditions.

Increasing the following distance is equally important, as it provides a larger buffer zone to account for longer stopping distances needed on slick or wet roads. This practice helps prevent rear-end collisions and allows for safer maneuvers if conditions worsen. Overall, making these adjustments is crucial for maintaining control and ensuring the safety of the driver, passengers, and other road users during challenging weather.

Using cruise control, maintaining the same speed as in normal conditions, or driving with headlights off until necessary are not advisable actions in such scenarios, as they can compromise safety and increase the likelihood of accidents.