Lack of visibility greatly affects the driver’s driving behavior. Due to adverse conditions, the most terrible accidents with human casualties occur, therefore, each driver must be prepared and remember how to behave in such situations.
What it is?
Insufficient visibility of the road is a condition where the driver cannot distinguish obstacles or objects in front from a distance of less than 300 meters due to any external factors. These factors can be attributed primarily to adverse weather conditions, such as fog, rain, snowfall, smoke, bright sun, twilight or darkness, and so on.
It is worth noting that the distance of 300 meters is determined for a reason. The fact is that exactly 300 meters is considered to be the braking distance of a car that moves at a speed of 90 kilometers per hour. The road surface is wet, with a low coefficient of adhesion.
How to move in conditions of insufficient visibility
Conditions of insufficient visibility can be divided into 4 main criteria. Rules are written for each of them (see table). If you stick to them, then the movement will be safe.
| Criterion | rules |
| Driving during heavy rain | In heavy rain, the grip of the wheels decreases and the braking distance of the car becomes larger. The greatest danger is the movement during rain at high speed. In this case, the water does not "sink" into the tread of the tires. With one incorrect steering wheel movement, the driver may lose control. The best way out of this situation will be the applied engine braking technique. |
| Motion during fog | Traffic police inspectors strongly recommend even experienced drivers to stop driving during heavy fog. If this is not possible, then you should reduce the speed and turn on the dipped beam along with the fog lights. It is also recommended to lower the driver's glass and listen to all the sounds. Overtaking and stopping on the sidelines is strictly prohibited |
| Bright sun movement | Bright sun rays, especially in the morning and evening, significantly reduce the visibility of the road. Drivers in bright light distinguish traffic signals worse and are poorly oriented at unregulated pedestrian crossings. It is not recommended to use sunglasses. It will be much more effective to use sun visors |
| Movement during other adverse conditions | These conditions most often include the loss of the first snow, blizzard or twilight. During the first snowfall, the driver must immediately replace summer tires with winter tires. During a blizzard - observe the high-speed mode and keep a distance. At night, it is recommended to use high beams. However, this is not possible in all situations. If the main beam cannot be turned on, the use of fog lights, a decrease in speed and an increased concentration of attention are recommended |
The right choice of speed
When the weather is good and the road surface is dry, the driver is allowed to move at any speed, but only within the permissible limits. When there is insufficient visibility of the road, it is necessary to choose the correct speed mode.
There are no specific recommendations regarding the speed with which the driver can move in conditions of insufficient visibility. The man behind the wheel should independently choose a safe mode for himself, but inspectors are strongly advised to take into account the braking distance of the car during an abrupt stop.
Low visibility driving regulations
It has already been discussed above what is insufficient visibility of the road. SDA clearly describe the conditions when special care must be taken, but warning the driver with signs is not always possible. Usually similar road signs are installed near bridges over the river, where fog is most often.
If an inexperienced driver is going to travel long distances, then he is strongly recommended to once again study in detail paragraphs 19.1-19.8 of the SDA. It clearly indicates that in case of violation of the speed limit and inattention while driving during insufficient visibility, the driver will not be able to quickly respond to an emergency.
The difference between low and low visibility
Any driver should feel the difference between the concepts of "insufficient visibility" and "limited visibility".
Limited visibility implies the presence of permanent or temporary barriers on the road. These include mountains, buildings, buildings, or sharp turns. There are also temporary barriers, namely, stopped transport, road works. Remembering this, you can easily distinguish when on the road there is insufficient visibility, and when - limited.
Simply put, limited visibility refers to a physical barrier that interferes with normal viewing. Despite the fact that such barriers are almost always permanent, the driver must observe the speed limit and be very careful while driving.
How to behave in conditions of insufficient visibility?
When there is insufficient visibility on the road, it is highly recommended to use fog lights. When buying a car, it is advisable to pay special attention to this option. If the model is not available with foglights, then it is advisable to additionally equip the car with them. Sometimes drivers replace DRLs with fog lights.
Also, with insufficient visibility, you need to reduce the speed. It is better to move slowly but surely. If possible, turn on all external lighting fixtures. An ideal option would be to include high beams.
Do not forget about increased care. In conditions of insufficient visibility, the driver quickly gets tired, so you need to give your eyes a rest from time to time. Gymnastics for the eyes or a temporary stop on well-viewed sections of the road will help. It is advisable to stop on the tracks only in specially designated places. Usually they are protected from the road by any obstacles.