Our top tips for driving in fog!

The UK winter season is no stranger to snow, ice, wind and rain – but one weather condition we all seem to forget about is fog! Driving in fog dramatically reduces your visibility, which makes sense considering it is one of the top causes of accidents on the roads! Don’t want to contribute to the statistics? Find out everything you need to know about driving in fog below.

When does fog occur?

Foggy weather conditions usually occur during the morning or evening, when visibility without headlights is already reduced.

Why does fog occur?

Fog is an accumulation of tiny water droplets that are suspended within the air, meaning you’re more likely to experience fog near lakes, rivers, certain seaside areas and other low lying areas. Freezing fog occurs when this moisture freezes, the substance then covers any object or surface it comes into contact with in ice, possibly resulting in black ice on the roads.

What should I do if I have to drive in fog?

Top tips for driving in fog

Allow plenty of distance between you and the car in front

How far ahead can you see? Remember, the other road users are experiencing the same thing! Try increasing the distance between you and the car in front from 2 seconds to 4 when driving in fog. This will help to account for any unexpected braking or hazards ahead.

Know when to use your fog lights

The highway code states that fog lights should only be used when visibility drops below 100 meters (328 feet) which is roughly the length of a football pitch. A good rule of thumb is to switch them on if you yourself are struggling to see other vehicles – the likelihood is other drivers will follow suit.

Remember, if you are involved in an accident or collision during extreme fog, but weren’t using your fog lights, it could invalidate your insurance.

Don’t use your full beam

Fog tends to reflect light back, which will reduce your visibility even further. Instead of using full beams during thicker fog, use a half beam and reduce your speed.

Keep to your side of the road

Drifting into the middle of the road is a natural instinct to keep us on the road during reduced visibility. However, don’t forget – other drivers will also have reduced visibility, and drifting into the middle could cause an accident. Use the left edge of the road as a guide to your road position, and if in doubt slow down or stop!

Pull over

If your visibility is reduced to a point where you feel it is unsafe to continue on your journey, always pull over and activate your hazard lights. Fog tends to distribute in patches, meaning it is likely that your visibility will improve in a short space of time. As recommended in our ‘winter driving tips’ blog – we always recommend you carry an emergency breakdown kit in your car including: a torch, blanket, shovel, hi-visibility vest and food and drink, plus an ice scraper and de-icer.

If you’re unsure about driving in abnormal weather conditions and would prefer to chat to one of our experts, why not get in touch at one of our garage branches today or message us on our Facebook page!