What is a recommended best practice for emergency driving during inclement weather?

Reducing speed and increasing following distance during inclement weather is essential for maintaining safety while driving an emergency vehicle. Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, fog, or ice, can significantly affect vehicle handling and stopping distances. By lowering speed, a driver can better react to sudden changes in the road or surroundings, allowing for more time to make critical decisions. Additionally, increasing the following distance provides a buffer that compensates for longer stopping distances that occur in slippery conditions.

Driving at normal speeds or disregarding traffic signals does not account for the reduced traction and visibility that often accompanies poor weather. Using sirens may help clear traffic under normal circumstances, but it does not address the increased risk of collisions that comes with higher speeds on slick roads. Thus, the best practice is to prioritize safety through reduced speed and greater caution when navigating through challenging weather conditions.