What should you keep in mind to avoid accidents in freezing weather?

To maintain safety while driving in freezing weather, slowing down and increasing your following distance is crucial. Icy or snowy conditions can significantly affect vehicle traction and stopping distance. When the road is icy, even gradual braking can lead to skidding, making it harder to control the vehicle. By reducing speed, you give yourself more reaction time to handle potential hazards, such as sudden stops, or to maneuver around obstacles.

Increasing the following distance is equally important, as it allows more space for your vehicle to stop safely. In normal driving conditions, a three-second gap is often sufficient; however, in inclement weather, a six-second gap is advisable to account for the longer stopping distance required on slick surfaces.

The other options, while they might have their applications in different contexts, do not contribute effectively to driving safely in freezing conditions. For instance, using high beams can reduce visibility in fog or snow due to the way light reflects off precipitation. Similarly, relying on cruise control can be dangerous on slippery roads because it may not allow for quick adjustments in speed when necessary. Driving only during daylight does not address the essential adjustments needed for weather-related hazards.