Going On A Road Trip This Winter? Here's How You Can Stay Safe While Driving In Foggy Conditions

Winters in India, especially in the north, mean foggy conditions becoming a daily occurrence. Driving on the country’s roads is a challenge at the best of times, thanks to poor driving etiquette, inadequate lighting, bad roads and animals straying onto the asphalt. Driving in foggy weather is trickier, and one needs to be extra cautious while driving. If you’re embarking on a road trip during this time, there are many things you can do to keep yourself and other road users safe. Here are some of our top tips for driving in foggy conditions.

Drive Slowly

Due to poor visibility, it is best to drive slowly during foggy conditions. You will be better able to gauge your braking distance and respond appropriately to the changeable conditions.

Don’t Use Hazard Lights When Moving

The hazard lights in your vehicle should only be turned on when your vehicle is either stationary or moving at extremely slow speeds. You might be tempted to turn them on while looking at the people driving around you, but don’t do so. Putting the hazard lights on while driving renders your turn signals useless and they won’t work while changing lanes or making a turn. Also, it can create a lot of confusion for other drivers around you.

Plan Accordingly

Check the weather forecast before embarking on your journey. Being aware of potential foggy conditions allows you to plan your route and schedule accordingly. Stay updated on real-time weather information to make informed decisions during your drive. If you can, plan your trip so that most of your journey can be undertaken in the daytime, especially when the sun is out and visibility is considerably better.

Use Fog Lights Or Low Beam Lights

Fog lights improve visibility for the driver. Avoid using high beams as they can reflect off the fog, reducing visibility for you and other drivers.  

Maintain Distance From Other Vehicles

Keep an increased distance from the vehicle in front when driving in foggy conditions. Reduced visibility demands a longer following distance to allow for sudden stops or manoeuvres. This precautionary measure is crucial for preventing rear-end collisions in challenging foggy conditions.

Stay Within Your Lane

Due to low visibility, it is very difficult to figure out when someone is switching lanes, which means that other drivers can often get startled and cause a collision. Stay within your lane by using lane markings as visual guides. This simple technique aids in maintaining proper alignment and reduces the risk of straying into oncoming traffic.

Use Indicators

Using turn signals is part of proper driving etiquette regardless of weather conditions. Use them when you are driving in foggy conditions, too.

Stay Alert

If you feel sleepy, do not drive. Avoid distractions like using your phone or adjusting the radio. Listen for traffic sounds and use your mirrors to be aware of your surroundings. You can also roll down your windows to listen for approaching traffic, especially at intersections.

Don’t Overtake

The key to driving during foggy conditions is patience and trying to overtake is highly discouraged. Your efforts to overtake can be distracting for the driver in front of and beside you and can also catch them unaware, which can lead to a collision.