Driving Safely in Fog

Ideally, you should avoid driving in fog as reduced visibility increases the risk of accidents. But if you do have to drive in foggy conditions, please follow these basic tips,

1. Never drive on high beam - High beams get reflected back off the fog and actually impair visibility by creating a "white-colored wall" in front of you. Drive on low beam or fog lights. Low beams direct light down onto the road and help other drivers to see you.

2. Reduce speed and keep an eye on your speedometer - Fog creates a visual illusion of slow motion when you may actually be speeding.

3. Listen for traffic you cannot see - Open your window a little, to hear better.

4. Never stop in the middle of the road - If your car stalls or becomes disabled, turn your vehicle's lights off, and take your foot off of the brake pedal. People tend to follow tail lights when driving in fog, which may result in a crash. Switch on your parking lights or blinkers. Move away from the vehicle to the side of the road to avoid injury. If you know that your vehicle is about to break-down take it off the road completely.

5. Follow painted lane markings or the central verge of the road as a guide. Watch out for vehicles that may have stalled.

6. Be patient - Do not overtake vehicles or pass lines of traffic.

7. Always use your defroster and windscreen wipers in foggy conditions to keep the windows clear.

8. Indicate in time - Give turn indicators atleast 10 seconds ahead of the turn. Making sudden moves may not allow other drivers to brake in time due to slick road conditions in fog.

Have a safe winter!

For information on accident and emergency tips, please visit, www.savelifefoundation.org.