Driving in Fog
Fog can be one of the most dangerous weather conditions for both new and experienced drivers. Driving in Fog demands your undivided attention. Therefore, one of the first things you need to do, at the first sign of fog, is to be sure to reduce any possible distractions. Turning down loud music is a great start. Even if you’re a confident driver, fog can make driving difficult and dangerous. And if you’re not confident, driving in heavy fog can be a deeply unnerving prospect. Fortunately, if you follow a few simple rules, and are patient, sensible and cautious, you can minimise the chances of having an accident.
Driving in Fog – Be Prepared
The best way to avoid accidents in the fog is not to drive in the first place. If you normally drive into work, make prior arrangements with your employer with reference to working from home in severe weather conditions such as heavy fog. If you have to drive, make sure that you are prepared. DTC Driving Test Services would suggest that you acronym F.L.O.W.E.R.Y. and check the following. That’s Fuel, Lights, Oil, Water, Electrics, Rubber Yourself.
Check Fuel and make sure all lights are working and consider keeping a spare bulb kit in the car. Oil, water and electrics should be checked weekly. Check wiper blades and tyres (Rubber). Tyres must have a legal minimum thread of 1.66mm but ideally 2mm. Ask yourself, “Am I capable of driving in these conditions?”
Rule 234 of The Highway Code States that when driving in Fog:
Before entering fog check your mirrors then slow down. If the word ‘Fog’ is shown on a roadside signal but the road is clear, be prepared for a bank of fog or drifting patchy fog ahead. Even if it seems to be clearing, you can suddenly find yourself in thick fog.
Driving in Fog Tip 1: Stay Focused
Driving in fog is not a time for multi-tasking. It requires your full concentration. Turn down the music, stop conversations with other passengers and keep your attention on the road. Wind down your window to help which will enable you to hear other traffic on the road.
Driving in Fog Tip 2: Use Headlight
Use your headlights and avoid using high-beam headlights in fog. Fog consists of tiny water droplets that spread and reflect light. If visibility is below 100 meters, use your foglights but remember to switch them off. It is against the law to use fog lights when visibility is clear. One on ten drivers says they have automatic lights and rely on them. However, automatic lights won’t come on if it’s foggy yet bright. This is because they rely on light-level sensors. Check whether your lights need switching on manually.
Driving in Fog Tip 3: Keep Your Distance
Leave plenty of distance from you and the car in front. Increase your count distance by 5 seconds instead of the normal 2 seconds behind another vehicle. Never rush or speed to get out of the fog. Remember, you can’t react to a hazard until you’ve seen it. If it takes longer to see the hazard, it will take longer to react. Keep your speed down even if the fog seems to have cleared, fog patches can appear suddenly without warning.
Driving in Fog Tip 4: Turn on Your Heater
Although the fog is outside the car, it will often cause condensation inside. Sometimes, that condensation can form without you noticing. Almost all cars have good heaters. However, a good heater is only as effective as the person operating it. Make sure you understand how your heater works, especially the windscreen de-misting function.
