Driving into thick banks of fog can be very dangerous…
…many fatalities occurring each year on motorways where drivers fail to appreciate the rapidly worsening conditions and react to them in time.
Try to anticipate foggy conditions. For example, low lying areas of ground on cool autumn and winter mornings will always be susceptible to fog patches.
If the roads you use pass through such areas slow down, leave at least a 3 second gap between you and the car in front and be extra alert.
If you do suddenly drive into a bank of fog, with no prior warning:
- DO NOT immediately brake hard, reduce speed quickly while retaining control of your car and giving others time to react
- ALWAYS switch on headlights and rear fog lights but DO NOT use main beam as this will reduce your vision by being reflected, dipped beam is the most effective lighting
- ALWAYS Use hazard flashers to prevent others running into your car if you have to stop very quickly
- Proceed slowly until the visibility improves then slowly increase your speed again but, beware, other areas of fog are likely to occur, so drive slowly and cautiously until you are sure that the risk has passed
If you hit a fog bank on a motorway DO NOT try to change lanes unless you can clearly see the other vehicles around you and are sure that you have enough room to move over. Signal clearly any such moves well in advance.
Take a few basic precautions and you are less likely to become one of the hundreds injured on foggy roads each year.
Article © Graham Benge 2007
