How does snow affect visibility and road safety?

Answer: B — It decreases visibility and obscures lane markings

Snow significantly decreases visibility on the road, which is why the correct answer emphasizes its impact in this area. When snow falls or accumulates, it can create a whiteout effect, where the landscape becomes overly bright and difficult to see. This can blur the distinction between the road and surrounding areas. Snow can also obscure lane markings, making it harder for drivers to stay in their lanes and judge distances accurately. Although snow reflects light, this reflection can also result in glare that diminishes visibility rather than improves it, particularly when coupled with conditions like falling snow or wind. Additionally, the notion that snow has no effect on visibility is inaccurate, as it is well-documented that adverse weather conditions like snow can drastically impair a driver’s ability to see other vehicles, traffic signals, and lane designations. Finally, while snow can impact traction, that factor does not directly relate to visibility, which is the primary concern of the question at hand.