With summer having apparently packed its bags and gone to sunnier climes, Brits are braced for the arrival of autumn – and as we all know, that entails plenty of rain and often a good deal of fog too.
Statistically, fog is the weather condition responsible for most driving accidents in the UK. Not only is the reduced visibility extremely dangerous, but in particular atmospheric conditions fog can descend very suddenly, or occur in patches, catching drivers unaware.
If you’ve recently passed your driving test, you probably haven’t had much experience of driving in adverse weather. Fortunately, it’s easy to stay safe in fog if you know a few basic rules.
Use Dipped Headlights and Windscreen Wipers
The Highway Code states that you should use headlights whenever visibility is less than 100m, which is roughly the length of a football field. However, you should switch your headlights on whenever you feel that visibility is threatened, even if it’s not yet at its worst.
Do not use full beam headlights. They will reflect the moisture droplets in the fog, making it harder for you to see and potentially dazzling other road users.
Your windscreen wipers and demister setting should help to keep your windscreen as clear as possible.
Understanding Fog Lights
There is no legal requirement to use fog lights at all, but they’re on your car for a reason and it makes sense to use them appropriately. If fog is expected, make sure your fog lights are working before you set out.
Switch on your front and/or rear fog lights when visibility is greatly reduced, and when you are in free moving traffic. You must switch them off again as soon as visibility improves, as they can dazzle other road users. If you’re in stationary or slow moving traffic, fog lights won’t help and could hinder other drivers.
Slow Down
When driving in thick fog, it’s essential to slow down. You must be able to stop safely within the distance you can see. Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you and do not rely on its tail lights to aid your own visibility.
Listen
When visibility is severely impaired, wind down you window and listen. This is especially important at a junction – you will hear another vehicle approaching even if you cannot yet see it.
Be Aware of Other Drivers and Road Users
Most road users try to avoid fog, but it’s possible that pedestrians, horses or bikes could be caught in it just as you are. Pedestrians and horses don’t have headlights, of course, so you must be extra vigilant in these cases.
Help other drivers to drive safely too. Check your mirrors before slowing down, and try to slow down gradually ensuring that you use your brakes not your gears, so that your brake lights show.
If In Doubt, Stop and Wait
In rare cases, fog can become so dense that it really is not safe to drive. In this case, pull over as far of the road as you can, put your hazard lights on and wait it out. Better to be safe than sorry, and fog in the UK often lifts relatively quickly.
