Free independent reference with original examples. Not official exam questions or a driving assessment. Follow current provincial rules, signs and authorized directions.
Practise weather and night driving →More light is not always a better view
The provincial handbook recommends low beams in fog because they direct light toward the road instead of into the fog. Parking lights alone are not the recommended substitute. The purpose includes helping other road users locate your vehicle as well as seeing the roadway yourself.
A brighter illuminated cloud ahead does not establish that a pedestrian, stopped car or bend is visible farther away. Judge the usable view of the road, not the apparent brightness around the headlamps. The same handbook connects night-driving speed to the distance the lamps actually reveal.
Source: New Brunswick Driver’s Handbook — §§5.16–5.17, p. 74 ↗Give following traffic time to respond
The handbook calls for gradual speed reduction and avoiding sudden stops. Other drivers may see you late and need additional stopping distance. This does not mean maintaining an unsuitable speed to satisfy the vehicle behind; it means recognizing the fog early and making a controlled adjustment.
A posted maximum is not evidence that the visible space is sufficient. Heavy fog can reduce the view far below what was available earlier on the route. The handbook recommends leaving the road and waiting for the fog to lift when conditions require stopping, with the vehicle as far off the road as possible.
Source: New Brunswick Driver’s Handbook — §§5.16–5.17, p. 74 ↗Link the response to the actual visibility
Original learning cases
A driver switches to high beams and sees a brighter white cloud, but less of the roadway. The problem is not solved by brightness; low beams are the handbook’s fog choice.
A car enters a fog bank at the speed used on the clear section. The old sight distance no longer supports that decision. The driver needs a controlled speed adjustment.
Visibility deteriorates enough to end the trip for now. Stopping in the live lane creates a new rear-end hazard. The waiting decision needs an off-road location, not merely a brake application.
Read visibility and lighting questions together
An answer saying “use low beams” may be only part of the response if the scenario also describes excessive speed or a blocked view. Conversely, reducing speed does not turn parking lamps into suitable fog lighting. Identify which decisions the question actually asks you to make.
The free weather and following exercises below explain those connections. These examples teach the official guidance; they do not rate a real journey as safe. Reassess the route and follow current weather, road and emergency instructions when deciding whether to travel.
Source: New Brunswick Driver’s Handbook — §§5.16–5.17, p. 74 ↗