If fog or smoke becomes so thick that visibility is impaired, what should you do?

When visibility is severely impacted by fog or smoke, it is essential to prioritize safety by pulling completely off the roadway and stopping the vehicle. By doing this, you remove the risk of being involved in an accident due to other vehicles or obstacles that could be approaching without being seen. Once you are safely stopped, turning on the emergency flashers alerts other drivers to your presence and signals that you are stationary. This precaution is critical because other drivers may not see you in low visibility conditions, and the flashers serve as a warning.

In contrast, using high beams can worsen visibility when driving in fog or smoke because the light can reflect off the moisture or particles in the air, creating a blinding effect. Slowing down to a low speed under the posted limit does not adequately resolve visibility issues, as maintaining control of the vehicle and avoiding sudden stops is more important than merely reducing speed. Therefore, stopping in a safe location off the road when visibility is severely impaired is the most prudent and safe response.