Fog driving tips to navigate the challenging low visibility conditions in India
As winter descends upon India, bringing with it cool temperatures and atmospheric changes, fog becomes a common companion on the roads. Navigating through low visibility conditions requires extra caution and preparedness. Here are some crucial tips for driving safely in fog:
- Reduce Speed:
- Slow down well below the posted speed limit to ensure you have adequate time to react to unexpected obstacles or sudden stops.
- Maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you. Fog can obscure brake lights and turn signals, making it harder to anticipate movements.
- Use Low Beam Headlights:
- Always use low beam headlights in foggy conditions, as high beams can reflect off the fog and create a blinding effect.
- If your vehicle is equipped with fog lights, use them to enhance visibility without causing glare.
- Familiarise Yourself with Road Markings:
- Stay within your lane by relying on road markings. Follow the centre or edge lines to maintain proper positioning on the road.
- Use the reflective studs or markers on the road to guide you, especially on highways.
- Activate Hazard Lights in Extreme Cases:
- In extremely dense fog where visibility is minimal, consider using hazard lights to make your vehicle more visible to others.
- However, use hazard lights judiciously, as they can be confusing to other drivers.
- Listen for Traffic:
- Roll down your windows to listen for oncoming traffic or any other potential hazards, as sound can often be more reliable in low visibility situations.
- Stay Informed with Weather Updates:
- Check weather forecasts before embarking on a journey, and stay informed about any potential foggy conditions.
- Consider delaying your trip if the fog is expected to be exceptionally dense.
- Avoid Overtaking:
- Resist the urge to overtake other vehicles in foggy conditions, as judging the distance and speed of other vehicles becomes challenging.
- Use Defrosters and Windshield Wipers:
- Keep your windows clear by using defrosters and windshield wipers. Maintaining a clear field of vision is crucial for safe driving in fog.
- Be Cautious at Intersections:
- Approach intersections with extra caution, as visibility may be severely compromised. Come to a complete stop, check for traffic and proceed when it is safe.
- Pull Over if Necessary:
- If visibility becomes extremely poor and driving conditions worsen, find a safe place to pull over and wait for the fog to lift.
- Use your vehicle’s hazard lights to alert other drivers if you decide to stop temporarily.
