Fog Driving Tips

Driving In Fog

With the current weather potentially causing an increase in accidents here are our tips for safe driving in reduced visibility. 

• Check your lights!

 It seems obvious but there are many vehicles on the road with lights not working. It's often a quick job to change a bulb and our staff can do this whilst you wait. 

• Use your lights! 

The highway code states: "You MUST use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet)." In other words the length of a rugby pitch. It also states that "You may also use front or rear fog lights but you MUST switch them off when visibility improves"
    The front fog lights are used to spread a low, wide beam of light for illuminating the edges of the road. You will notice your full beam just lights up the fog and doesn't help you to see any further ahead. In these conditions it's best to use dip beam and fog lights.
    The use of the rear fog light really requires some common sense to be applied, if the vehicle in front disappears into the fog it's time to turn on, if you are in the middle of a traffic jam in town it's time to turn off! 

• Give yourself time!

Leave a three second gap between you and the car in front. Reduce your speed and allow extra time to complete your journey. Expect the unexpected and drive a pace that gives you time to stop. Give other road users time too, remember to check the mirrors before slowing and avoid sudden braking when entering a patch of fog. These simple steps will give you the time and space you need to complete your journey safely. 

• Don't follow the tail lights in front!

It's easy to follow the lights of the car travelling in front of you. You will instinctively close the gap between the vehicles. If the lead vehicle makes a mistake and leaves the road, chances are you will follow. 

• Use your ears!

When at a T junction turn down the radio, wind down the windows and listen for the traffic. 

•  Clear the windscreen!

Use your windscreen wipers and demisters to keep the screen clear. At this time of year you need to keep the washer bottle topped up as dirt from the wet roads can reduce your visibility through the windscreen. Remember your air conditioning system has a drier used to dehumidify the cabin and can clear condensation quicker than just the fans alone.