How should a driver handle a situation where visibility is severely limited?

When visibility is severely limited, the safest approach for a driver is to reduce speed and increase following distance. This action allows for more time to react to any potential hazards that may emerge suddenly in low-visibility conditions, such as pedestrians, other vehicles, or obstacles in the roadway. By reducing speed, a driver can maintain better control of the vehicle, ensuring that they can stop safely if needed. Increasing the following distance provides a buffer that gives the driver more time to perceive and process the scenario ahead, which is crucial when distance perception may be compromised due to factors like fog, heavy rain, or night driving.

In limited visibility situations, other options can be dangerous. Speeding up to reach a safe zone can lead to a loss of control or increase the risk of collisions, particularly if unexpected obstacles are present. Using only parking lights is insufficient for visibility; normal headlights should be activated to enhance the driver's view of the road and to make the vehicle more visible to others. Maintaining a constant speed could result in unpredictable outcomes since other road users may not anticipate the driver’s movement effectively in such conditions. Thus, reducing speed and increasing following distance is the most effective strategy for ensuring safety in low visibility.