Weather has a huge impact on road safety and fog is no exception. The reduced visibilty and increased greasieness on the roads mean we all need to take extra care when driving. Stay safe on the roads with our tips for driving safely in foggy conditions.
5 tips for driving safely in foggy conditions
1. Check and clean your headlights, side lights, and rear lights
As a motorist you are legally required to have fully functional, clean and clearly visible exterior lights on your vehicle.
Before you set out you should do a check of the vehicle to make sure all the exterior lights are in good working order and the lenses are clean.
Winter weather conditions mean it’s not so pleasant to get out and wash the car. However, you still need to maintain your headlight, side light and rear light lenses. So if you set out in foggy conditions, or know there’s fog on the forecast, give the lights on your vehicle a clean before you travel.
2. Be seen! Use the right lights
UK law states that in poor visibilty, such as fog or heavy rain, your headlights must be switched on. This is for the safety of all road users.
If you have a car with daytime running lights, it’s important to remember that these only activate lights on the front of the vehicle. This means you have no rear lights activated and will not be visible to vehicles behind you in foggy conditions.
What’s more, automatic headlight systems may not activate in foggy conditions. This is becase there is still enough ambient light that the sensors may not pick up on the reduced visibility caused by fog.
Our advice is to manually switch on your side lights / headlights as soon as the visibility drops due to fog. As well as enabling you to see where you’re going, your headlights, side lights, and rear lights mean you can be seen on the road.
3. Using fog lights in very foggy conditions
In particularly poor conditions, such as dense fog or very heavy rain and spray, your high intensity rear fog light should be switched on. Don’t forget to turn it off when conditions improve as it can dazzle other users once the fog disperses.
4. Front and rear windscreen visibilty
Make sure your windscreens are clean inside and out. Keeping the exterior of your windscreen is pretty straightforward regardless of how often you wash your car. But when was the last time you cleaned the inside of your windscreen?
Dust and particles on the inside of your windscreen cause a sparkle effect in bright oncoming headlights. That might sound lovely if you’re a 5 year old, but it is distracting and severely hampers your ability to see what’s ahead when you’re driving.
5. Top up your screenwash… with genuine screenwash!
Make sure your screenwash resevior is topped up so you can clean the outside of your windscreen while you’re driving. Winter roads get incredibly grimy and this kicks up onto your windows, reducing visibility.
You should also use quality screenwash fluid that is formulated for use in cars. Washing up liquid is not an appropriate substitute because it contains oils which cause smears on your windscreen. It can also form into a thick goo which will block up your screenwash system.
Don’t be tempted to use it as a cheap alternative! You run the risk of damaging your vehicle.
6. Check your tyres
Tyre maintenance is something we’ve talked about many times and it’s especially important in adverse driving conditions. Driving safely in foggy conditions can be especially challenging because the roads can be greasy and slippery.
If your tyres aren’t at the correct pressure for the load, or the tread is wearing thin, then you put yourself at risk of skidding or a blowout. Regularly checking the pressure and tread on your tyres will ensure your vehicle is ready for any weather conditions.
7. Adjust your driving style to the foggy conditions
And finally, driving safely in foggy conditions means making sensible adjustments to your normal driving style. Keep these in mind and arrive safely at your final destination.
Keep your speed in check. Foggy roads can hide hazards until it’s too late to react. Dropping your speed helps you spot obstacles sooner and gives you a better chance of avoiding sudden risks.
Give yourself and other motorists plenty of space. Leave a bigger gap between you and the car in front. Fog makes everything seem closer than it is, so keeping a safe distance helps prevent surprise collisions.
Keep your eye on the road markings. In thick fog, you might rely on the white lines or kerb to guide your path. If you feel uncomfortable with the level of visibility, consider pulling over in a safe place until conditions improve.
Avoid abrupt manoeuvres. Sudden braking or sharp turns can catch other drivers off guard when visibility is low. Steer smoothly and brake gradually to minimise any risk of skidding or collisions in the fog.
Stay safe on the roads with regular servicing
Keeping your vehicle in peak condition is a great start when it comes to staying safe on the roads. Get your lights, tyres, and general vehicle roadworthiness checked over by our qualified, friendly motor engineers.
Call us on 0116 3190 118 or mobile 07850 881 911 to book your car in for a service. Or drop in for a chat at our friendly garage at on Shaftsbury Road, Leicester, LE3 0QN.
