Driving In Fog

The RAC say

'Fog lights need to be used at the right times to combat reduced visibility, otherwise you could be a danger to yourself and other drivers.

Using them at the right time should aid safe driving but using them at the wrong time could mean you are breaking the law and endangering other drivers.

To help motorists stay as safe as possible we have put together a guide of useful information on how to drive in fog and when to use your fog lights.'

You should familiarize yourself with the foglight controls and learn how to turn them on and off correctly. You will need your dipped headlights on before you can turn on your front or rear fog lights.

Not all cars have front fog lights,  it depends on the make, model and specifications of the car. The rear fog light is more important as its important for other drivers to see you. This concept follows suit if other drivers turn theirs on correctly too and therefore you can see them more easily.

Extract Taken From 'The Highway Code'-

You MUST use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet). You may also use front or rear fog lights but you MUST switch them off when visibility improves (see Rule 236). Law RVLR regs 25 & 27

Fog (234 to 236)

234
Before entering fog check your mirrors then slow down. If the word ‘Fog’ is shown on a roadside signal but the road is clear, be prepared for a bank of fog or drifting patchy fog ahead. Even if it seems to be clearing, you can suddenly find yourself in thick fog.

235
When driving in fog you should

• use your lights as required (see Rule 226)
• keep a safe distance behind the vehicle in front. Rear lights can give a false sense of security
• be able to pull up well within the distance you can see clearly. This is particularly important on motorways and dual carriageways, as vehicles are travelling faster
• use your windscreen wipers and demisters
• beware of other drivers not using headlights
• not accelerate to get away from a vehicle which is too close behind you
• check your mirrors before you slow down. Then use your brakes so that your brake lights warn drivers behind you that you are slowing down
• stop in the correct position at a junction with limited visibility and listen for traffic. When you are sure it is safe to emerge, do so positively and do not hesitate in a position that puts you directly in the path of approaching vehicles.

236
You MUST NOT use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced (see Rule 226) as they dazzle other road users and can obscure your brake lights. You MUST switch them off when visibility improves.
Law RVLR regs 25 & 27

Fog can be a dangerous weather related driving condition for both new and experienced drivers. Fog has the potential to reduce visibility significantly, so it is critical that drivers stay focused on the road in order to stay safe. 

Foggy conditions neede your undivided attention, so try to reduce any possible distractions by turning your music down and reduce distracting conversations to improve your attention on the road ahead. 

It's not a wrong decision to stay off the road completely until the weather clears, but inevitably people have places to be and commitments to fulfill.

Slow things down, driving at normal speeds in fog can be very dangerous. Be sure to slow down so you have more time to react if traffic stops or other hazards appear. When visibility is severely limited, find a safe place to park, away from the road, and wait for the conditions to improve.

Always use your dipped headlights, never full beam in foggy conditions as fog consists of tiny water droplets that spread and reflect light. Remember to still turn on your dipped headlights to help other drivers see you.

If you are interested in learning to drive then please call Simon at 4front Driving School on 07905657229

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