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Driving in foggy winter conditions is challenging due to reduced visibility, which increases the risk of accidents. Here are some effective safety tips to keep in mind when one hits the road
When driving in dense fog during winter, maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front is crucial for safety. (Representative/News18 Kannada)
The winter season brings with it the onset of fog, which poses significant challenges for drivers. Reduced visibility makes driving uncomfortable and increases the risk of accidents. Therefore, it is crucial to take extra precautions when driving in foggy conditions.
Here are some essential points to keep in mind:
Driving on foggy motorways in winter is extremely challenging. In these conditions, the proper functioning of headlights and fog lights becomes paramount. The risk of accidents significantly increases in fog, demanding extreme caution from drivers. While most people would prefer to avoid driving in such conditions, work and other necessities often make it unavoidable.
When driving on the highway in foggy conditions, it’s crucial to use headlights effectively for maximum visibility. While it might seem counterintuitive, low beams are recommended over high beams. Low beams illuminate the road approximately 50 to 70 metres ahead, providing a clearer view of the immediate surroundings. Conversely, high beams, while powerful, tend to reflect off the water droplets in fog, creating a blinding glare that reduces visibility further.
Therefore, to ensure safe driving in fog, drivers should engage their low beams. This practice illuminates the road directly in front of the vehicle, minimising glare and enhancing the driver’s ability to see and react to potential hazards.
In cold weather, the temperature difference between a vehicle’s interior and the cold exterior can cause condensation to form on the windscreen, leading to reduced visibility. The defogger is designed to prevent this condensation from forming. Therefore, when driving in foggy conditions, it is crucial to activate the defogger to ensure a clear windscreen and maintain optimal visibility.
When driving in dense fog during winter, maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front is crucial for safety. This precaution provides ample time to react and control one’s vehicle if the car ahead brakes suddenly. However, accidents frequently occur due to insufficient distance between vehicles.
When driving in fog, it is important to consider the colour of the vehicle’s headlights. Some believe that yellow light is more visible in fog than white light. However, this is a common misconception. While yellow light can appear brighter in clear conditions, it does not necessarily offer improved visibility in fog.
The effectiveness of headlights in fog depends more on the beam pattern and intensity rather than the colour. It is crucial to use fog lights, if the vehicle is equipped with them, as they are specifically designed to penetrate fog effectively.
Avoid parking on the side of the road during heavy fog. If an emergency necessitates stopping, engage the hazard lights while parked. Additionally, always use indicators before turning to alert vehicles approaching from the front or rear of one’s intended direction, enhancing overall road safety. Maintaining clean side mirrors is crucial to ensure a clear and unobstructed view of vehicles behind.
Driving in fog demands heightened caution. Visibility is severely reduced during foggy conditions, making it crucial to prioritise safety. Speeding and overtaking become extremely dangerous and should be avoided entirely. The safest approach is to exercise patience, reduce speed significantly, and navigate the fog with utmost care to ensure a safe arrival at one’s destination.
When driving in foggy conditions, reduced visibility makes it crucial to heighten one’s other senses. Lower the volume of the vehicle’s music and refrain from answering phone calls to ensure one’s hearing is fully engaged. This heightened awareness allows one to better detect the presence of oncoming vehicles. Additionally, switch on the vehicle’s hazard lights to increase the vehicle’s visibility to other drivers on the road. By remaining vigilant and taking these precautions, one can navigate foggy conditions more safely.
Poor visibility is the primary cause of accidents on fog-bound roads. To mitigate risks, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. Additionally, remain within one’s lane while driving on fog-affected highways, as sudden lane changes can result in collisions.
Reduce distractions within the vehicle. For instance, switch off the mobile phone and radio. Opening the windows will help one to hear other traffic more effectively.
