How to drive safely in the fog

Driving in fog is one of the most dangerous situations that drivers can find themselves in, because fog greatly reduces visibility. If possible, drivers should refrain from driving in such conditions and wait for the fog to clear.

Unfortunately, we don't always have the ability to stay put and instead we have to drive boldly through the fog. When it is absolutely necessary to be on the road in such poor visibility, follow these steps to make it as safe as possible.

Part 1 of 1: Driving in the Fog

Step 1: Turn on your fog lights or low beams. Fog lights or low beams in vehicles not equipped with special headlights for foggy conditions will improve your ability to see your surroundings.

They also make you more visible to others on the road. Don't turn on your high beams because it will reflect moisture in the fog and actually impair your ability to see.

Step 2: slow down. Since your ability to see in the fog is very difficult, move slowly.

This way, if you get into an accident, the damage to your car and the risk to your safety will be much less. Even if you pass through a relatively clear area, keep your speed slow because you can't predict when the fog will get thick again.

Step 3: Use wipers and de-icer as needed.. The atmospheric conditions that create fog can also cause condensation to form on the outside and inside of your windshield.

Operate the wipers to remove drops from the outer glass and operate the de-icer to remove fog from the inside of the glass.

Step 4: Keep in line with the right side of the road. Use the right side of the road as a guide, because it will prevent you from being distracted by oncoming traffic.

In low light conditions, it is natural to lean towards brighter patches. If you align your vehicle with the center line, you may inadvertently steer your vehicle into oncoming traffic or be temporarily blinded by the headlights of another vehicle.

Step 5: Avoid closely following other vehicles and avoid sudden stops. You must use defensive driving skills when driving in hazardous situations such as fog.

Follow at least two car lengths behind other cars so you have time to react if they hit the brakes. Also, do not stop abruptly on the road - this can lead to the fact that someone behind you will crash into the rear bumper.

Step 6: Avoid passing other vehicles. Since you cannot see far, you cannot be sure what is in other lanes, especially when oncoming vehicles may be involved.

It is better to stay in your lane and drive uncomfortably slowly than to try to overtake a slow driver and be the target of a collision.

Step 7: Be vigilant and stop if visibility becomes too poor to navigate. You must keep a close eye on your surroundings when driving in fog so that you can react at any moment.

After all, you can't see potential problems ahead of time and prepare. If, for example, there is an accident ahead or an animal runs into the road, you should be prepared to stop without hesitation.

Step 8: Eliminate as many distractions as possible. It is very important to stay focused on driving in foggy conditions.

Turn off your mobile phone or turn on vibration and turn off the radio.

If at any point the fog becomes too thick to see the road more than a few feet from your vehicle, pull over to the side of the road and wait for the fog to clear. Also, turn on emergency flashers or hazard lights so that other drivers have a better chance of seeing you and avoid confusing you with traffic on the road.

Again, avoid driving in fog if possible. However, when dealing with such a dangerous scenario, treat the challenge with the respect it deserves and take every precaution to see and be seen while driving with the utmost care.