It is again the time of the year when fog is a frequent visitor on our roads. No matter how you drive, slow or fast, fog is a serious hazard that can easily cause an accident. For this reason, it’s essential to understand the tips and techniques to driving safely in fog.
First, turn on your headlights and keep them on low beam. High beams won’t help you see better and will just reflect off the fog making it harder to see what’s ahead of you. Make sure that all other lights are off so that they don’t add to the glare of the fog, as this will make it even more difficult for you to navigate through the area.
Second, slow down and maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead of you. Reduce your speed by at least half when driving in dense fog as objects can appear suddenly without warning. When visibility is restricted reduce your speed further so that you have time to react if a hazard appears out of nowhere.
Third, remember that fog is patchy and can vary in thickness. It’s important to be aware of the changing visibility and adjust your driving accordingly. Be prepared for heavy patches of fog that may reduce visibility significantly, even if the road ahead appears clear.
Fourth, use your windshield wipers and defogger on low speed when appropriate to keep your view unobstructed as much as possible. Make sure you check all windows and mirrors before driving to make sure they are clean and clear so you have an optimal view of what’s happening around you.
Finally, don’t panic! If you find yourself in a situation where visibility is greatly reduced, stay calm and just focus on getting safely to the other side. Don’t veer off course and stay alert for signs of other drivers in the area. Remember that most accidents in fog happen when a driver is trying to make up time by speeding or taking unnecessary risks.
Following these tips will help you navigate through fog safely, so keep them in mind the next time you have to drive in this situation. Stay safe on the roads!
