How to Drive Safely in Fog

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When it comes to driving, visibility of the road and other vehicles is of utmost importance. But there are situations when visibility can be reduced. Examples are during a heavy rain or the presence of fog. This article will discuss what you need to do to drive safely in fog.

Use Your Fog Lights

Fog lights are not available on all cars, especially the lower variants of a particular model. There are countries, however, where fog lights are necessary and is mandated by law. Fog lights have the ability to cut through fog improving visibility beyond the haze. Use them when there is fog in the area.

Drive Only When Really Necessary

If you can drive later when the fog has cleared, sit it out and wait until visibility is back to acceptable levels. Notify people on work that you will be late because of the fog. Keep safe and don’t risk your life or others’. Listen to traffic reports on fogged areas.

Find a Service Station and Stop There

Fog can appear out of nowhere and any time of the day. You may have left home when the road was clear and encounter fog on the way to your destination. When this happens, drive slowly and carefully, go the nearest service station and wait for it to clear. Have a cup of coffee while you’re at it.

Drive Slow

If you really need to drive through the fog, then do so slowly and carefully. Drive no faster than 50 kilometers per hour and stay inside the inner lane. Be on guard for vehicles and people on the road.

Dip Your Headlights

The common reaction to reduced visibility is to drive on high beam. Although this may increase visibility on your side, it can dazzle and temporarily blind oncoming motorists and may cause accidents. Keep it on normal mode as you drive through the fog.

Do Not Turn Your Hazard Lights On

Hazard lights should only be used when you are stationary or you need to warn motorists that there’s a road hazard ahead. If you have your hazard lights on while driving, it can confuse the driver behind you and he might do a sharp brake causing a collision with vehicles coming from behind.

Heat it Up

Fog usually appears in cold temperatures. When it’s cold outside, water vapor may condense inside the car which makes visibility even worse. The heater keeps the windows clear.

Be Vigilant

You must use your eyes and your ears when driving in fog. Turn off the radio and open a window. Listen carefully for other vehicles or people warning you to turn or stop.

Keep Distance

Reduced visibility means you can’t tell just how far the vehicle in front of you is. If he stops sharply, there’s a chance you can crash into his car. Keep away at least the length of three vehicles.

Avoid Swerving

Unless you really need to, avoid swerving from one lane to another. Remember that you may not see other vehicles and vice versa. 

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