Why might weather conditions affect the type of distress signal used?

Weather conditions play a crucial role in the effectiveness of distress signals, particularly regarding their visibility. In adverse weather, such as fog, rain, or snow, the ability to see and recognize signals can be significantly diminished. For instance, visual signals like flares or flag signals may be less effective in heavy rain or fog, where visibility is poor. In contrast, audible signals like horns may carry better through fog but might be less effective if the wind is strong or if the sound is absorbed by the weather conditions.

Choosing the right distress signal based on the weather can mean the difference between being noticed and remaining unacknowledged in a critical situation. Therefore, understanding that weather impacts the visibility and effectiveness of various signals is essential for ensuring that assistance can be rendered as quickly as possible.