Driving in foggy weather

Fog can reduce visibility to a few metres. Fog is worse to drive in if you have your headlights on high beam, so keep them dipped. Turn your fog lights on as this will help drivers following you see where you are. Remember to turn them off afterwards, though, as they are very bright and can dazzle other drivers.

Avoid the temptation to lean forwards to try to see more – you won’t, and it puts you at risk if you have an accident as your head will be too close to the airbag going off.

In the UK the Driving Standards Agency makes the following recommendations:

• use your lights as required
• 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
• 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.

Read more about driving in limited visibility here.