Changes you Should Make to Your Driving Style When in Heavy Fog or Mist
Posted by Ethan Melandri | Filed under Vehicles
Foggy weather can be difficult with your view obstructed, which means incidents involving your car and others are heightened. It is most troublesome when other drivers are not driving for the conditions that exist.
If at all possible your trip should be postponed until the fog has lifted. However, should you need to take your car out on the road there are some tips that can make your excursion safer.
Before setting off it is vital that you check that your windscreen is clear and that all of your lights including your fog lights are working correctly. When the visibility falls to below 100 meters then you should switch on your fog lights to improve visibility and allow other road users to see you more clearly. It is best not to use your main beam headlights in foggy conditions because the bright light that they produce will reflect of the moisture in the fog and reduce your vision further.
Because of the reduced visibility, drivers will often follow too closely to the tail lights of the car in front because it makes them feel safe, or they subconsciously drive too fast in the mistaken belief that it will mean that they will get out of the fog quicker. Both scenarios are a major cause of motorway pile ups in foggy conditions. Instead drive only at a speed that means you can stop safely in the distance that you can see clearly and use your speedometer to assess your speed because your normal visual clues will be obscured by fog.
The air temperature cooling lower than the dew point brings about the fog. You will find that many conditions affect the density of the fog. They can be made up of atmospheric circumstances or the terrain.
Typical times and places to expect fog are normally on cold winter mornings in low lying ground, valleys or significant dips. Because the fog can change thickness and in turn reduce visibility very quickly, you will constantly need to reassess the conditions and tailor your driving accordingly.
If the fog does clear and visibility increases above 100 meters then its important to switch your fog lights off. This is not only because it is a legal requirement it is also courteous to other road users as leaving them on can be distracting and annoying. Remember also to switch off your rear fog light as well, otherwise it can easily mask your brake lights.
While foggy weather does present more difficult driving conditions, practicing safe driving techniques can help you and others arrive safely at your destination.
When driving in heavy mist good visibility is crucial, and you can maximise this by installing Xenon Car Bulbs. By enhancing the beam produced by your headlights, for example by installing high performance H7 Bulbs, you will be able to see further into the fog and other drivers will also see you more clearly.
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