A "whiteout," which often occurs during blizzards, completely obstructs visibility and is extremely dangerous, especially when driving. A video of a whiteout recently posted on social media has been viewed approximately 200,000 times, vividly showing a perilous situation with "zero-level visibility."

The posted video shows a dangerous situation where visibility is completely white due to a blizzard, making it impossible to even distinguish the edge of the road. Then, just as visibility seems to improve, a car that has slid off the shoulder comes into view, and the footage captures another car on the verge of the same fate.

Users responded with concern, saying things like, "Winter is truly dangerous," and "Please don't push yourself." Others commented, "You don't understand the terror of a whiteout until you experience it."

A car that has slid off the shoulder

This video was posted in December 2024. The poster, Sapporo Sparrowman, encountered this scene while traveling from Sapporo to Shinshinotsu Village. Deciding he "might not be able to get back," he filmed it on his way back. He later released a more detailed account of the situation on YouTube, which also garnered attention, receiving about 180,000 views.

What is a Whiteout? The Dangers of Driving

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The phenomenon commonly known as a winter "whiteout" refers to the complete loss of visibility during a snowstorm or blizzard. A key characteristic is that everything appears white in all directions, making it easy to lose your sense of distance and direction. This occurs frequently during winter in Hokkaido, where blizzards are intense, and can lead to serious driving accidents.

If you encounter a whiteout while driving, it is crucial to slow down and turn on your headlights and hazard lights to alert other vehicles of your presence. Since the car behind you cannot see the car in front, sudden braking is dangerous. If you find it impossible to proceed, please find a safe place to pull over and call the police for assistance.

Check the Weather in Advance in Hokkaido's Winter! Never Push Your Luck in Bad Weather

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Winter roads in Hokkaido can become harsh, sometimes life-threatening environments. Sapporo Sparrowman continues to share information about these dangerous road conditions, raising awareness for many about the precautions needed for winter driving. When driving in Hokkaido during the winter, be sure to check the latest information and make cautious decisions without taking unnecessary risks.