Definition - What does Visibility mean?
Visibility refers to a motorist’s capacity to clearly see the traffic and environmental surroundings on the road while maintaining the ability for other drivers to perceive the driver in question. In the context of driving safety, visibility involves several factors including weather conditions, infrastructure variables (i.e. poor road layout), designated time of day, and visual barriers (i.e. roadside vegetation), restricting otherwise safe driving habits.
SureHire explains Visibility
For commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators, it is imperative to conduct regular vehicle inspections, remain vigilant to potential hazards, and allow sufficient braking time to allow a safe distance between other motorists while driving in low visibility situations. Extra caution is needed when your vehicle is navigating around obstacles or changing lanes, in particular when your visibility is compromised or environmental condition like rain or snow impact the surface you're driving on.
Fleet outfit operators must exercise caution as CMV vehicles present their own unique challenges, given their height differential from the ground, limiting drivers to observe points of reference where blind spots can exist, impeding visibility. In some cases, the designation of restrictive zones spanning the perimeter of a facility is a viable approach to keep both pedestrians and smaller vehicles from entering the area in order to keep them safe from any potential hazards created by obstructed visibility. Weather factors that involve driving in fog, rain, or snow are primary culprits for decreased visibility, requiring drivers to strictly obey traffic laws, avoid tailgating, and execute safe driving practices to help avoid accidents.