How to Drive Safely in Fog

Whilst many people would advise you to never drive your car during fog, it might not be always at practical option for you. Having your vehicle regularly serviced by qualified car mechanic will ensure that you have a vehicle which is safe and reliable at all times, but in emergencies you will need to call upon your own skill to keep yourself safe.

This is certainly the case when it comes to driving during storms, snow or when there is fog about. As you know, fog can be quick to descend and whilst you may be driving in clear conditions one moment you may soon find yourself in a thick fog where driving conditions are less than optimum to say the least. That’s why it’s important to have sufficient driving skills to get yourself out of a problem should this occur.

Let’s take a look at some safety tips when it comes to driving in fog.

• First of all the obvious thing to do is to slow down. The at least gives you the benefit of anticipating problems before they arise and you can avoid collisions with other vehicles.
• Turn your lights on so that other people can see you, and make sure you have fog lights turned on too. Fog lights are especially designed to penetrate as far as possible into the fog to make it easier for you to see and for others to see you too.
• If the fog is simply too thick and you cannot see and feel unsafe, pull over to the side of the road and put your hazard lights on, but make sure you pull off as far as possible. In other words leave no part of your vehicle on the road so that other drivers who are brave enough to drive in these conditions will not collide with you.
• Remember to consider drivers behind you. By constantly applying your brakes you may make them nervous and want to overtake you. Drive calmly and carefully and slowly instead.
• Keep your windows and windscreens clear all times by using the wipers and the defroster continuously.
• Expert driving instructors will tell you that the longer you drive in fog the more likely you are to drive faster. Be aware of this and keep your speed at a minimum at all times by watching speedometer carefully.
• Keep distractions to a minimum by turning off your radio or at least turned down so it is barely audible. You may want to listen for traffic or weather reports but at a low-volume you can still pick up these reports.
• If you have to make a turn, make sure you give plenty of notice by turning on your indicators a long way in advance. Then look for lights in every direction before making your turn so that you can avoid oncoming vehicles.

Driving in fog is difficult under any circumstances but these tips should put you in a better position. Your mechanic has a role to play in keeping your vehicle in tiptop condition, but when it comes to driving, it is all up to you.