What should you do if you encounter loose gravel on the roadway?

When encountering loose gravel on the roadway, it's crucial to slow down before reaching the gravel. Reducing your speed will help maintain traction and control of the vehicle, which can be significantly compromised on a loose surface. This action decreases the risk of losing control, skidding, or slipping, which can lead to accidents.

If a driver were to accelerate to pass through quickly, it could create instability and increase the chances of losing control. Stopping immediately can be dangerous as well, especially if following vehicles are not expecting a sudden halt. Changing lanes quickly can be risky too; if there is oncoming traffic or obstacles in adjacent lanes, it might lead to collisions. Therefore, slowing down is the safest and most effective response to navigating loose gravel safely.