What can cause a significant increase in the stopping distance of your vehicle?

Heavy rain or wet conditions can significantly increase the stopping distance of your vehicle due to the reduced traction between the tires and the road surface. When the pavement is wet, the friction that is essential for effective braking is diminished, leading to a longer distance required to come to a complete stop. This scenario is exacerbated if the vehicle is traveling at higher speeds, as the reduction in traction becomes more pronounced. Proper tire maintenance and tread depth can mitigate this effect to some extent, but under wet conditions, drivers should always anticipate a longer stopping distance and adjust their speed and following distance accordingly to maintain safety.