What should a driver do if they encounter gravel on a highway?

When a driver encounters gravel on a highway, slowing down and maintaining control is the best course of action. Gravel can significantly reduce traction between the vehicle's tires and the road surface, leading to potential loss of control. By slowing down, a driver can help ensure they maintain better traction and stability, which is crucial for safe maneuvering.

Maintaining control while approaching gravel is essential because abrupt movements or excessive speed can easily result in skidding or sliding. This is particularly important if the gravel is loose, as this further compromises the tire grip on the road.

Choosing to speed up would increase the risk of losing control, while pumping the brakes hard can lead to sudden stops that may cause skidding. Switching to the shoulder is typically not advisable as it may not be safe or appropriate depending on the road conditions and traffic. Therefore, slowing down and exercising caution is the safest response when encountering gravel.