Driving Essentials :: Tips For Driving In The Fog
Driving in foggy conditions can potentially be very dangerous,
and so it is imperative that you take great caution. According
to statistics it is the most dangerous driving hazard in
existence.
Considering that the braking distance of most vehicles is tens
of metres even at slow speeds, it is suggested that drivers
concentrate more than usual. In extremely foggy conditions, the
level of visibility can be next to nothing.
It can sometimes be hard to judge distance and speed of other
vehicles in the fog, which may cause you to pull out from
junctions when you normally wouldn't, or to take risks that you
would usually evade. Take your time when driving in fog, and
make no quick decisions.
Ensure that you pay interest to the speed that you are
travelling at, as it can become easy to start driving faster
than you think, which obviously increases the likelihood of an
accident occurring.
An alarming event is that many drivers will insist on following
the lights of a vehicle ahead. This may be because it comforts
the driver as they know the road ahead is clear, however this is
very dangerous. Depending on the level of visibility, the
distance between the two vehicles may be very small. Needless to
say, this provides the driver with little notice and little time
to react should the car in front have to stop suddenly. Remember
to use your windscreen wipers and lights to give you the best
achievable visibility, so that the need to follow the car in
front is not as great. Use your low beam headlights as the high
beams will in fact make it harder to see in front of you.
Also, do not forget that it is not only vehicles that will
appear in the road, but also pedestrians and cyclists who may
not be wearing high visibility clothing. As a consequence, be
prepared to respond to any sort of movement in the fog, and even
unlit parked cars that may be along the road.
Be patient when driving in fog. Unless it can not be avoided, do
not overtake and keep changing lanes down to a minimum on
motorways and dual carriageways. However tempting it may be,
don't speed up to pass a vehicle moving slowly, or to get away
from a vehicle that is following too closely.
Turn off any distractions in your vehicle, such as your mobile
phone or your radio as your concentration is paramount in these
conditions. Try and pay attention to any warning lights and make
sure you abide by them.
In extreme fog, refrain from traveling if you can and only
journey if it is essential. If you are already traveling and
encounter dense fog, think about pulling off the road completely
and position your vehicle safely away from any other traffic
until the fog lifts. However important it is that you travel, it
is not worth risking your life or another person's life in
driving.