Night, weather and slippery roads

By the ChowChow Labs editorial team · Updated November 13, 2026 · How we check our content

Short answer: Conditions change how far you can see and how quickly you can stop.

Key points

• Low beams within 300 m of oncoming traffic and within 150 m when following.
• Use low beams in fog, and slow so you can stop in the distance you can see.
• Bridges and overpasses often ice first.
• Black ice looks like wet pavement. Slow down and avoid sudden moves.
• On wet roads, avoid cruise control and use smooth inputs.

Law or advice?

The headlight distances are law. Most weather advice is good practice that helps you drive at a speed safe for conditions, which is a legal duty.

Example

It's just below freezing and the road looks wet. You slow before a bridge and avoid braking on it.

Checked against the Government of Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), used under the Open Government Licence – Alberta. Laws change, so check alberta.ca for the current rules before you rely on a number. Sources: Alberta Driver’s Guide, page 82: Night driving; Winter driving.

Check yourself

Try these 6 questions from our free mock exams, then tap Show answer. For more, take the rules of the road practice test.

1. Question 1 · Hazards

   When following another vehicle at night, when must you use low beams?

   1. A. Within 300 metres
   2. B. Within 50 metres
   3. C. Within 150 metres
   4. D. Never

   Show answer

   Answer: C. Within 150 metres

   Use low beams when following within 150 metres.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 82: Dim while followingReviewed October 2026Report an error

2. Question 2 · Hazards

   How should you drive on a wet road?

   1. A. Keep your normal speed
   2. B. Slow down and steer, brake and accelerate smoothly
   3. C. Use cruise control to keep a steady speed on the wet surface
   4. D. Brake hard to test the grip

   Show answer

   Answer: B. Slow down and steer, brake and accelerate smoothly

   Smooth control reduces the chance of skidding.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 82: Wet road smooth controlReviewed October 2026Report an error

3. Question 3 · Hazards

   Why do bridges and overpasses often freeze before the rest of the road?

   1. A. They are always made of metal
   2. B. Cold air passes above and below them
   3. C. Snowplows are not allowed on them
   4. D. They are higher than the road

   Show answer

   Answer: B. Cold air passes above and below them

   Bridges lose heat from both sides, so ice forms there first.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 82: Early ice on bridgesReviewed October 2026Report an error

4. Question 4 · Hazards

   In fog, which headlights should you use?

   1. A. High beams
   2. B. Low beams
   3. C. Parking lights only
   4. D. No lights

   Show answer

   Answer: B. Low beams

   High beams reflect off fog and reduce what you can see.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 82: Low beams in fogReviewed October 2026Report an error

5. Question 5 · Hazards

   What is black ice?

   1. A. Ice that forms only at night
   2. B. Snow lying on dark-coloured pavement
   3. C. Ice that has been mixed with dirt and sand
   4. D. A thin, clear layer of ice that is hard to see

   Show answer

   Answer: D. A thin, clear layer of ice that is hard to see

   Black ice looks like wet pavement but is very slippery.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 82: Black ice cautionReviewed October 2026Report an error

6. Question 6 · Hazards

   When must you switch to low beams for oncoming traffic?

   1. A. Within 100 metres
   2. B. Only when it flashes you
   3. C. Within 50 metres
   4. D. Within 300 metres

   Show answer

   Answer: D. Within 300 metres

   Use low beams when within 300 metres of oncoming vehicles.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 82: Dim for oncoming trafficReviewed October 2026Report an error

Next: Skids, blowouts and stalls. Calm, smooth control gets you through most emergencies.