What happens when stopping distances increase on wet roads?

When stopping distances increase on wet roads, stopping is indeed less effective. This phenomenon occurs due to the reduced friction between the tires and the road surface when it is wet. When road conditions are wet, the water creates a thin film between the tire and the pavement, making it harder for the tires to grip the road. As a result, vehicles require more time and distance to come to a complete stop after the brakes are applied.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the immediate consequences of increased stopping distances. While skidding may become a concern due to slippery conditions, the primary issue at hand is the effectiveness of stopping, making the assertion that stopping is less effective the most pertinent. Similarly, driving faster would not be a safe or logical response to longer stopping distances, and while increased stopping distance can contribute to accidents, it is not an automatic correlation; not every situation leads to accidents, so that option is not directly related to the concept of stopping distances.