Driving in fog can be scary and dangerous with a high tendency for hazards. If you decide to drive in fog, you need to follow some safety tips to ensure that you and other drivers drive safely.
Although it is possible to drive in fog, it is not advisable to do so. Not only will you not be able to see oncoming vehicles, but they won’t be able to see you too. The solution to the visibility problem is how you can see better when driving in fog.
Therefore, when driving in fog you can see better by using your low-beam headlights. Also, to avoid other drivers from crashing into your vehicle, use your emergency light to enable them to see your vehicle.
Can You Drive in Fog?
Yes, you can drive in the fog. Fog is said to be a cloud formation close to the surface of the earth and a dangerous condition for people to drive in.
It’s better not to go out when it is foggy as a lot of things can happen such as, crashing into other vehicles amongst others.
When driving in a fog, a vehicle’s visibility is reduced even when the headlight is on, it also becomes hard for a driver to accurately judge a distance. If you must drive in fog, ensure to follow some safety tips that can ensure your safety and that of the other drivers.
When Driving in Fog You Can See Better By?
When driving in fog you can see better by:
1. Use the Low Beam headLight
“When driving in fog you can see better by using your low beam headlight”. Vehicles that do not have the fog light will have a low-beam light and not parking light. This light also works to improve a vehicle’s visibility when driving in fog.
Under no circumstance should the high beam light be put on when driving in fog, all it will do is create a glare to drivers thereby defeating the purpose of putting the light on in the first place.
2. Putting on Your Fog Light
One thing you can do to see better when driving in fog is to put on the fog light. However, this is only possible in vehicles that have fog lights on them. Some vehicles do not have it.
When the fog light is on, the driver can see clearer, and oncoming vehicles can also see vehicles coming their way.
3. Watch Out for Lights on Other Vehicles
Another way to see better when driving in fog is by watching out for the lights on other vehicles.
An easy way to know if a vehicle is coming your way is to be on the lookout for the headlight. The headlight on other vehicles can help you judge your distance to an extent; although not all the time.
4. Avoid Driving Too Fast
While driving in fog, avoid driving too fast. You can just maintain a certain speed limit to avoid crashing into another vehicle.
Safety Tips for Driving in Fog
Here are the safety tips that can help when driving in fog:
Ensure the Headlight is On
When driving in fog, one thing that should be on is your headlight. Leaving the headlight on ensures that your car is visible to vehicles coming behind or in front plus it also helps you see better.
It is not advisable to put on the high beam light rather the low beam headlight should be on. If the high beam light is put on it can cause more harm than good as it has the tendency of creating a glare.
Don’t Drive at a High Speed
When driving in fog, it may be impossible for you to see objects or vehicles coming in front until they are close, hence the need to drive at a safe speed.
This is one such condition under which driving below the speed limit is allowed. It is important that you reduce your speed and keep your eyes on the speedometer when driving in fog as it is very easy for you to think you are driving too slowly.
Make Sure Your Windows and Windshield are Clear
Fog builds up moisture on a car’s window and windshield which can make it difficult for drivers to see oncoming vehicles or clearly see ahead.
Therefore, it is important to ensure the windows and windshield are clear, you can achieve this by putting your windshield wipers and defrosters on.
If possible, you can put them on for the duration of your journey or put them to work at regular intervals whichever works for you.
Use the Right-side Line Pavement Maker
Using the right-side line pavement maker when driving in fog is also a safety tip as it can enhance your visibility. If you decide to use the center pavement lines as a guide, all it will do is move you close to oncoming vehicles, and the chances of them seeing you are slim.
You Can Decide to Pull Over or Keep Driving
If while moving you realize you can’t continue driving in the fog, it is safe to pull over, however, it is not safe to pull over on the side of the road as it can cause a collision because other drivers may not realize a vehicle is parked until it is too late.
Therefore, if you decide to pull over find a safe place outside the flow of traffic, a public parking space will, or a driveway. There are exceptions to parking laws in situations like this.
Reduce Distractions
When driving in fog, you should reduce or stop any activity that can take your attention from driving, this is not the time to eat or take a call. The radio shouldn’t be on, you can also ask your passenger in the car to be quiet.
Whatever activity you know will distract you and take your focus from driving should be stopped.
Driving in fog can be hard and requires you to be 100% focused because a lot of hazards can happen if you take your eyes off the road even for a minute.
Conclusion
Before deciding to drive in fog, ensure you have adequate knowledge of the safety tips. If you know nothing about it, stay in the house and wait for it to clear out before starting your journey.