What should you do to ride more safely in reduced traction roadway conditions?

Riding more safely in reduced traction roadway conditions, such as wet, icy, or gravel-covered roads, involves adjustments to your riding behavior that help maintain control and stability. Increasing following distance is crucial in these conditions because it provides additional time to react to unexpected events, such as sudden stops or skids from the vehicle in front of you.

In lower-traction scenarios, the stopping distance and response time are significantly increased; therefore, having a greater distance allows you to respond more effectively without being in a position to collide with another vehicle. This extra space to maneuver can also help you avoid slippery patches or hazards that may not be immediately visible.

Adjusting speed or lean angle would typically exacerbate the risks associated with reduced traction. Higher speeds reduce reaction time and can lead to a loss of control, while increasing the lean angle can cause loss of traction as the bike is more prone to sliding when the available grip is reduced. Thus, maintaining a safe following distance emerges as the most suitable choice to enhance safety when navigating such hazardous conditions.