How To Safely Drive In Dense Fog - Essential Guide For Safe Driving

Winter is coming! I'm sure you recognize that reference, but winter brings those chills that run straight up your spine and can also make driving a challenging task. You might recall that whenever you're driving or being driven in dense fog, the driver remains extremely attentive, quiet, focused, and not blink an eye.

Visibility is so poor that anything can happen in just a fraction of a second. So, I'm here to provide you with some tips that, if kept in mind during such situations, can really help. Scroll down for more, and in the meantime, make sure to join the 91Wheels Whatsapp Channel to never miss out on Indian automobile updates.

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Turn On The Low Beam

When driving in dense fog, always keep your low beams on, not your high beams. Low beams are visible in the rearview mirror of cars ahead of you, alerting other drivers that a vehicle is approaching. Additionally, always keep your fog lights on, as they enhance the overall lighting output of your vehicle. Fog lights are also set to low beam mode, making them more effective in foggy conditions.

The reason for this advice is that high beams have a large throw; they point straight ahead and are designed to provide a clear view of the road. In fog, you can hardly see 50 feet forward, so there's no point in turning them on. Additionally, their light can be largely blocked by the fog, which causes them to do the opposite of what they normally do. Low beams, on the other hand, are designed for ground visibility, which is exactly what you need in such conditions.

Defrosters and Defoggers

During that adventurous time, make the most use of defrosters and defoggers. There should be no moisture on the windshield, as you need a clear view of the road ahead. Defroster switches are usually located in the same area as the AC controls, and the defogger switch is typically nearby.

The defogger is a switch that activates the red lines you may have seen on the rear windshield, which perform the same function as the defroster but without using air. When the car is no motion, every glass should be clear, and especially in that high octane scenario.

Use Horn

Yes, this might be considered noise pollution, but the horn can be a real lifesaver in such times. Whether you're driving slowly or using low beams, the horn is one tool that can be crucial, as sound travels faster than light in the air. Let's take a hypothetical situation: you're driving slowly in the fog, and you hear rapid horn sounds. You'll be alerted and automatically slow down, which could save you from a major accident. So, when needed, press the center of the steering wheel firmly.

Keep Distance

It's not something new, but a crucial reminder, as we've all seen drivers attempting to overtake, even in such challenging conditions. Drive slowly, maintain a good distance from each vehicle, and most importantly, keep a large distance from trucks or buses. By driving slowly and maintaining distance, you can save lakhs of rupees.

Be Ready All The Time

All these tips can help to a certain extent, but nothing can go exactly as planned. So, stay focused, sit up straight, keep an eye on all angles, and be ready to brake at all times. Slow down or, better yet, stop the music - it's not needed. If you're feeling fatigued, pull over for some tea or coffee. Don't risk your life or the lives of others. Lastly, avoid driving if you haven't had enough sleep, because in these conditions, your brain needs to be fully alert and ready.

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