Top tips for driving in fog

By Adam White

Fog creates dangerous driving conditions. Not only does it reduce visibility, making it hard to spot other road users and hazards, but it can also create optical illusions. This can make it difficult for drivers to judge speed and distance and determine what they see in front of them.

With this in mind, perhaps the best advice for driving in fog is to not do it at all. It is one of the major causes of accidents so if you find yourself caught up in this meteorological condition, the safest option would be to pull over well away from the roadside and wait until it clears.
 
However, we realise that this is not always possible. If you have to drive in foggy conditions, here are our top tips to help you stay safe.
 
1. Slow down

Visibility is severely reduced in dense fog and there is a risk that you may not see something in front of you until you are right on top of it. Give yourself more time to react to any hazards by reducing your speed and increasing the distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you.
 
2. Check your speed

Driving through fog can give the impression that you are travelling far more slowly than you really are. Keep an eye on your speedometer to make sure your speed hasn’t crept up without you realising.
 
3. Be patient

Don’t drive too closely to other cars even if it feels as though the extra lighting improves your visibility. Brake slowly when necessary to give others a chance to react and signal early to ensure other drivers have seen what you intend to do.
 
4. Use fog lights or low beam headlights

Fog lights help to make you more visible and avoid creating additional glare. In really dense conditions, you can also use your hazard lights. Only use low beam headlights and never full beam in fog. Full beam can reflect back in the moisture created by fog and make it even more difficult to see.
 
5. Stay in lane

Avoid overtaking in fog. Not only are you likely to need to increase your speed to pass other vehicles, but it could be harder to see hazards such as lane obstructions or oncoming traffic.
 
6. Wind down a window and keep your screen clear

Open a window so that you can hear what’s going on around you and use your windscreen wipers to help keep your windscreen clear.
 
7. Ensure that your vehicle is in good condition

Before any journey, it is important that your vehicle is in the best possible condition to keep you safe on the road. At Protyre, we understand how important tyres are to maintaining good contact with the road.

Stocking a wide range of tyres, from Bridgestone to Sumitomo, our tyre professionals can offer advice as to which tyres best suit your needs. Why not contact our friendly team of experts for assistance or book a free vehicle check online.

Always be prepared to stop if driving conditions get too bad. No matter how important a journey is, nothing is more important than a life. Find somewhere safe to stop and wait it out if you feel that conditions are too bad to continue.

Choosing the Right Tyre Made Easy

When it comes to your car's safety and performance, tyres can play a huge role. That's why we've put together a collection of helpful articles to guide you through the process of selecting the perfect tyres for your ride and maintaining your vehicle in general.

If you're looking for a smoother, more luxurious driving experience, premium car tyres might be the way to go. Or, if you want added security against flats, run flat car tyres could be your best bet. Trying to decide between summer car tyres and winter car tyres? We've got you covered there, too.

We also dive into the world of tyre brands, comparing top manufacturers like BF Goodrich tyres, Bridgestone tyres, Continental tyres, Dunlop tyres, Falken tyres, General tyres, Goodyear tyres, GT Radial tyres , Hankook tyres, Michelin tyres, Pirelli tyres, Runway tyres, Sumitomo tyres, and Toyo tyres.

But we don't just stop at helping you choose the right tyres – we also share tips on how to keep them in tip-top shape. From checking your tread depth and keeping your tyres properly inflated to extending their life through regular rotation and balancing, our articles have got you covered.

So, whether you're a car enthusiast or just looking to keep your vehicle safe and reliable, our car help and advice articles are here to help you make informed decisions about your tyres. Check them out and feel confident in your tyre choices!

Share with your friends...

About the author

Article Author Photo
By Adam White
Adam looks to create engaging and informative content across the website that provides consumers with expert advice on MOTs, servicing, vehicle maintenance and tyre care. As a motorsport enthusiast, Adam enjoys documenting the Protyre Motorsport team’s involvement in major motorsport events across the UK.
View authorArrow right
Time for new tyres?
New tyres may be needed if you find your car is taking longer to stop after braking or your vehicle is not handling as it should in wet conditions.
Find out moreChevron
The role of a tyre
At all times and in all weather conditions they are the only element in contact with the road - yet they are one of the most commonly overlooked aspects of vehicle maintenance.
Find out moreChevron
How to make sure you buy the tyres best suited to your vehicle
Any car enthusiast will know that not all tyres are created equal. However, the quality of tyres is an issue that should be of importance to anyone who drives, as the tyres on your car have a direct effect on safety in wet conditions, stability, the degree of comfort you have on the road, cornering and general road handling. A car with the wrong tyres will not only feel lacklustre to drive, but its safety could be compromised.
Find out moreChevron