As temperatures dip across the country, dense fog has already begun to cover several places, making driving challenging for citizens. Poor visibility, an altered perception of distance and depth, and covered barriers make traveling in a foggy environment really tricky. Below are some necessary driving tips to keep in mind this season.
1. CHECK YOUR VEHICLE BEFORE HEADING OUT
Before leaving, check your vehicle to ensure it is in good condition for foggy conditions:
- Headlights & Fog Lights: Make sure both are working properly. Use low beams or fog lights because high beams will reflect off the fog and worsen visibility.
- Windshield Wipers & Defogger: Keep the windshield clean and wipers in good condition. Use the defogger to prevent interior fogging and maintain a clear view.
- Tyres & Brakes: Check tyre pressure and tread depth for grip on slippery roads. Properly working brakes are a must when driving in winter.
2. SLOW DOWN & MAINTAIN A SAFE DISTANCE
Speed and distance are two major things in foggy conditions:
- Speed Control: Slow down to give yourself more time to observe and react to any hazards.
- Keep Distance: Follow at a greater distance to enable more reaction time in case of sudden stops.
- Avoid Sudden Movements: Brake and accelerate slowly to avoid skidding on wet roads.
3. USE FOG LIGHTS JUDICIOUSLY
- Turn on Fog Lights: They improve visibility without blinding other road users.
- Avoid Using Hazard Lights While Moving: They may confuse other road users and reduce the clarity of intent.
4. STICK TO LANE MARKINGS
Lane markings are your best guide through thick fog:
- Stick to the painted road markings, usually in white or yellow, to keep on course.
- Avoid following other vehicles too closely, as they might not be navigating accurately.
5. KEEP WINDOWS CLEAR
Moisture buildup on windows can further impair visibility:
- Use a mix of the air conditioner and heater to prevent condensation on the inside of windows.
- Clear water droplets on the windshield using wipers for an unobstructed view.
6. MAINTAIN SPEED
- With low levels of clarity, extra care in road use will be called upon.
- Keep a gentle foot on the accelerator to allow yourself more time to spot and react to potential hazards.
7. AVOID OVERTAKING
- The fog distorts depth perception, making it difficult to gauge the distance of oncoming vehicles.
- If overtaking is absolutely necessary, proceed with caution and maintain a safe speed.
8. STAY VISIBLE TO OTHERS
- Indicators: Use them early to signal your intentions clearly.
- Headlights: Leave them on, even during the day, to make your vehicle more visible.
9. STAY AWAY FROM PEDESTRIANS AND CYCLISTS
- Pedestrians and cyclists are more difficult to see in foggy conditions:
- Be alert and look for their presence.
- Maintain a safe distance and slow down in areas where they are likely to be present.
10. AVOID SUDDEN MOVEMENTS
Sharp turns or sudden braking can lead to accidents on foggy roads. Turn on your indicator well ahead of maneuvers and keep giving other drivers adequate response time to react accordingly to the situation.
The best thing that would give you an ample safety route is if you heed all these safety measures about your ways on foggy winter roads. So remember that for accident-free road travel, always be vigilant and not carefree.
