When driving in fog it is very important to switch on your fog lights to combat reduced visibility failure to do so can result in you being a danger not only to yourself and other road users.
What is the cause of fog?
Fog is when visibility is less than 100 metres. Fog forms when water droplets condense to form fog close to the ground. The relative humidity must be near 100%. The air temperature and dew point temperature must be close to one another as well. As the air reaches 100% relative humidity and the dew point is saturated, the water vapour condenses to form fog.
See below our top 6 tips for driving in fog:
- Things to do in fog?
As soon as you encounter fog, check your mirrors, reduce your speed, it is important to leave more space between yourself and the vehicle in front of you, use your windscreen wipers and make sure you keep your windscreen demisted to improve visibility. Should you see the word ‘fog’ on a road sign, but visibility is good be aware for foggy conditions ahead once visibility is less than 100 metres turn on the front and rear fog lights.
When driving in fog use dipped headlights, if you drive on full beam the fog acts as a mirror impairing your vision further, If visibility is very limited you should stop your vehicle in a safe place and remain there until it is safe to continue your journey. - How do I know when to turn my fog lights?
You should turn your fog lights on when visibility is less than 100 metres as rule 226 in the Highway Code (rule 226). Failure to turn on your fog lights can impact on the safety of not only yourself but other road users as well, should you have an accident when driving in fog without your fog lights being can invalidate your insurance. - What does the law say about fog lights
The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 only allows the use of fog lights if visibility is reduced the use of fog lights at any other time is not allowed including when driving in rain as the very bright light emitted from fog lights can dazzle on coming drivers. It is very important that you turn your fog lights off when the visibility improves as failure to do so can if stopped by Police result in a fine.
Check your dashboard to see if your fog lights are still on generally a yellow light is shown when your rear fog lights are on and a green light shows when your front fog lights are switched on. - Check your lights
During winter when fog is most common it is important to ensure your car is in the best running order, to keep your vehicle in tip top condition have regular services and checks by a specialist such as A1 Clutches who will check your lights are working.
It is important that you are familiar with how to operate your front and rear fog lights and don’t confuse these with your vehicle’s ‘full beam’ setting. - Automatic lights in fog
Many of today’s vehicles are fitted with automatic lights which come on automatically as light levels drop, be aware that vehicles fitted with automatic lights will not always come on in foggy conditions, when driving in fog always check to ensure your front and rear lights are on if not turn them on manually using the light switch. - Are fog lights a legal requirement?
Yes the law says all vehicles must have rear fog lights, currently the law does not include front fog lights however most vehicles are fitted with front and rear fog lights and you should use them when visibility is reduced due to foggy conditions.