Driving in fog: Seven tips to help you see as clearly as possible when driving on mist-hit roads

  • Suggestions for safer fog driving from the Institute of Advanced Motorists
  • Seven steps include keeping the windscreen clean and knowing which lights to use and when 

By ROB HULL FOR THISISMONEY.CO.UK

Updated:

Driving in the fog can be an unnerving experience but one you will need to get accustomed to as mist-covered motorways become more common in winter months.

However, there are steps you can take that will make getting behind the wheel in these conditions less daunting. 

The Institute of Advanced Motorists provides seven advice tips to make driving on foggy roads as safe as possible.

Seven steps to see clearly: The IAM has tips to make driving on fog-covered roads less hazardous

Seven steps to see clearly: The IAM has tips to make driving on fog-covered roads less hazardous

1. Keep your windscreen clean

The conditions that cause fog also make your windows mist up, and the dirtier the windows are the more susceptible they are to clouding up quickly. So it's important to keep your windscreen as clean as possible to prevent this from happening. 

You should also give your wing mirrors a clean before you set off to prevent them from misting up too - improving visibility all around you is paramount in foggy conditions.

2. Know which lights to use and when

You should always use the dipped headlights in misty and foggy conditions. 

Some car have an automatic setting for the dipped headlights, but don't just rely on this when turning the engine on as it may not illuminate the rear lights, which are equally as important. 

Only use your fog lights if visibility is less than 100 metres, but don’t forget to turn them off when visibility improves. 

And refrain from using the full beam setting for your headlights as this will only obscure your visibility when it's foggy.

Keep your distance: Driving at a consistent speed with plenty of space ahead and behind will make motorway driving less stressful

Keep your distance: Driving at a consistent speed with plenty of space ahead and behind will make motorway driving less stressful

3.Check your screen wash

Fog can create sprays of rain on your windscreen, so make sure you use your wipers on the intermittent setting to retain a good level of visibility. 

Ensure your windscreen-washer fluid is topped up to rinse off any debris that flicks up off the road or other vehicles. 

If you're driving in freezing fog, do not use your windscreen washer unless you have non-freezing washer fluid - the screen will be covered in ice if not.

4. Drive at a consistent speed

Maintaining a steady and consistent pace will ensure you can slow down or brake early enough to avoid hazards ahead of you as well as behind. 

Pedestrians and cyclists will be more difficult to spot, so keep your speed down to give yourself enough time to identify them

Pedestrians and cyclists will be more difficult to spot, so keep your speed down to give yourself enough time to identify them

If a vehicle behind you is following closer than you find comfortable, make sure you are going slowly enough that you are able to reduce your speed or stop without it being sudden. This will allow the car behind to not run into you. 

Fog can come in patches and with different levels of density, so only increase your speed when you're confident the fog has cleared completely.

5. Be extra vigilant for pedestrians and cyclists

Pedestrians and cyclists are extremely difficult to see in fog, so take extra caution to ensure you can cope with them. 

Keep your eyes peeled and make sure you drive at a reduced speed in built-up areas, giving yourself enough time to spot them.

6. Be patient in a queue 

Fog can be dispersed by traffic, so when following a string of cars don't be tempted to rush to the front - the car at the head of the queue may have a thicker wall of fog to contend with than the cars following further back.

7. Stay visible at all times 

If you have to stop, whether you’re waiting for help while you’re on the hard-shoulder or on a side-road, make sure you and your car are visible to other road users at all times. 

Have the car’s lights on, use the hazard warning flashers, and wear a high visibility jacket to help other vehicles passing by identify you.  

 

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