Published By: Satavisha

Eight Safety Tips You Should Remember When Driving Through Dense Fog: The Ultimate Safety Guide

The threat of driving through dense fog returns every year. Owing to low visibility and excessive moisture, windshields get obscure. Hence, fog is one of the most hazardous driving conditions one could encounter.

Driving on a foggy day with low visibility can be a very unpleasant experience. Fog driving becomes more perilous when the roads are substandard—or you have to face unforeseen road detours or closures. In such bad weather conditions, you have no choice but to trust your instincts—which is certainly not the safest way to drive. So, let us gather some essential driving tips—that will help you safely reach your destination on foggy roads.

Don’t even think about speeding!

Under any condition, speeding is not advisable—especially when visibility is poor. It is hazardous for you, as well as the other drivers on the road. You may consider speeding when you feel no vehicles are driving ahead of you, but this is just another way of inviting trouble as the roads may be quite unpredictable on foggy days.

If you are driving too fast, it might become challenging to react promptly, and navigate your surroundings when faced with an obstacle. But if you drive slow, you will have ample time to survey the traffic, respond in time, and stop the vehicle if necessary.

Don’t blink hazardous lights.

Although blinking hazard lights indicate some form of threat, they should only be used when the vehicle is parked and never while it is still moving.

Maintain ample distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you.

Reduced visibility simplest, you will have less time to hit the brakes. Therefore, that added gap will ensure safety. So, slow down! On foggy days, it may take longer than usual to reach your destination, but nothing can be more important than your safety.

Keep moisture off your windshields and windows.

Moisture on your windows and windshield may cause glare—worsening visibility. Always keep your windows, rear and front windshields free of stain, snow and moisture. This simple habit will allow you to view your surroundings while driving.

Allow the right-side pavement marker to guide you.

Anything that improves visibility on a foggy day is an asset. The white line painted on the side of the road can be your best guide when driving through dense fog. Avoid using the pavement lines in the center because it might bring you closer to other oncoming vehicles.

Your headlights should be on a low beam.

When driving through fog or mist—drivers usually turn their headlights on a high beam. However, it is critical to note that the high beam reflects and impedes the driver's visibility. When the visibility is less than 100 meters— set your headlights on a low beam. If your vehicle has fog lights, you should also turn them on.

Minimize Distractions

Your focus should be on the road when driving through dense fog. Keep all sources of distraction at bay. Turn down the music or the FM, don’t use your phone, and request all the passengers be quiet.

Use indicators and alert other drivers.

Be a responsible driver and alert other following and oncoming drivers on the road. It is critical to use your parking lights or indicator. Ten seconds before taking turns, turn on your indicator to alert the vehicles following you, giving them sufficient time to steer or halt conveniently.    

You may be a seasoned driver, but fog can put all your skills to the test. Therefore, when everything around you turns gray, follow these driving tips to tackle dense fog.