In poor weather conditions, what is the best approach for motorcyclists?

In poor weather conditions, reducing speed and increasing following distance is the best approach for motorcyclists because it enhances safety by allowing more time to react to unforeseen circumstances. Poor weather, such as rain or fog, can significantly affect visibility and traction. By slowing down, riders can maintain better control of their motorcycle, reducing the likelihood of losing traction on slick surfaces.

Increasing the following distance ensures that there is ample space between the motorcycle and other vehicles, which is critical as it provides additional reaction time if the rider or a vehicle in front needs to stop suddenly. This buffer can help avoid collisions that might occur due to reduced stopping power in adverse conditions.

In contrast, increasing speed and reducing the following distance would raise the risk of accidents due to diminished control and reaction time. Maintaining current speed and position does not account for the reduced traction or visibility that poor weather brings. Riding with high beams on at all times can also be problematic, as it can blind other drivers and is not a universally encouraged practice in all weather conditions.