Question

Difficulty: EasyDriving in Fog and Reduced Visibility

When driving in dense fog, a driver should switch on high-beam headlights to increase forward sight distance.

Answer: Answer

Answer

False. Drivers should use low-beam headlights or fog lights when driving through dense fog because high beams reflect off the suspended moisture droplets and cause dangerous glare.
The statement is false because high-beam headlights project light directly into moisture particles in fog, producing reflective glare that impairs vision. Low-beam headlights or fog lights must be used instead.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate the physics of high-beam headlights in dense fog.
High beams shine light straight ahead into water droplets, reflecting light back toward the driver's eyes and degrading visibility.
Fog consists of suspended liquid water droplets that act as miniature mirrors.
2
Identify the mandatory lighting requirement under safe driving laws.
Low-beam headlights aim light downward toward the road surface, minimizing light reflection and glare.
Official DMV rules require low-beam headlights or specialized fog lights during foggy conditions.

Key Concept

Headlight usage in reduced visibility and fog
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