In restricted visibility, what is the fundamental best practice for collision avoidance?

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In restricted visibility the priority is to slow to a safe speed and use every available means to detect and assess risk early so you can take decisive action in time. Reducing speed gives you more time to observe other vessels with eyes and with radar, AIS, or other aids, interpret their potential movements, and plan a maneuver to avoid a collision before a close-quarters situation develops. Pushing ahead at higher speeds reduces your reaction time and makes it harder to respond safely when another vessel’s path is uncertain.

Choosing to speed up would only shorten the window for detection and avoidance, keeping lights off prevents others from seeing you and is not a reliable or compliant signaling method, and holding course and speed ignores the need to manage risk in poor visibility. Shifting to a safe speed and actively using all available tools to determine risk and act early aligns with prudent collision avoidance practices in restricted visibility.