While driving on a highway during reduced visibility caused by thick fog, a driver suddenly loses sight of the vehicle ahead. Which of the following is the safest and legally compliant action for the driver to take?
- Reduce speed to ensure the vehicle can stop within the visible distance ahead, and use the right edge line of the roadway as a visual guide.Answer
- BIncrease speed slightly to re-establish sight of the lead vehicle's taillights so they can be followed through the fog.
- CSwitch to high-beam headlights to project light farther into the fog bank ahead.
- DMaintain the posted speed limit while activating hazard flasher lights to warn following traffic.
Answer
Reduce speed to ensure the vehicle can stop within the visible distance ahead, and use the right edge line of the roadway as a visual guide.
When thick fog limits vision, safety requires reducing speed so the vehicle can come to a complete stop within the visible distance ahead. Tracking the white painted line on the right edge of the roadway provides a stable spatial reference without risking lane drift or reliance on other vehicles.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Adjusting speed to visual range and utilizing edge lines during reduced visibility