Topic: Fill in the Blank,

Best Answer Explained in Below-:

The correct answer to the question is B) persists. In this context, the sentence focuses on the adverse effects of bad weather on driving conditions. The word "persists" implies that the bad weather continues over an extended period, which is a cause for concern for the Highway Agency.

When bad weather persists, it creates ongoing hazards such as reduced visibility, slippery roads, and dangerous driving conditions, prompting the agency to caution drivers to be extra careful and delay their journeys. The use of "facilitates" (A) does not fit because it suggests that the bad weather is making driving easier, which contradicts the context. "Hinders" (C) implies obstruction, but it does not convey that the weather is still ongoing, which is crucial to the warning. Finally, "ceases" (D) indicates that the bad weather has stopped, which would not require drivers to be cautious or delay their trips. Thus, "persists" aligns perfectly with the idea of ongoing, hazardous weather conditions that necessitate extra caution.