Safety tips for driving in fog, mist and smog

In practice, mist is considered synonymous with “light fog”. The term “smog” (from the words “smoke” and “fog”) is widely used for conditions where fog and heavy air pollution are present, with chemical reactions between the fog droplets and various pollutants which reduced the visibility more.

In winter, the visibility often reduced very much so roads are either blocked or allowed to travel with some directions.

Every year, hundreds of people die in various accidents due to this

Travelling in fog can be extremely dangerous. Fog and smog can drift rapidly and is often patchy.

Warnings of dense fog are issued when visibility is expected to fall below 200 metres. Severe disruption to transport occurs when the visibility falls below 50 metres.

If you have to travel in this situation follow some basic guidelines strictly for safe journey.

Some basic travle guidelines in fog, mist and smog.

• Avoid travel if possible

• Drive very slowly with dim headlights, full-beam lights reflect off the fog causing a 'white wall' effect

• Keep an eye on your speed, fog can give the illusion of moving in slow motion

• Use fog lights, but remember to turn them off when the visibility improves

• If the fog light is not installed installed them or for immediate fog papers use for lights.

• Don't hang on the tail lights of the car in front, rear lights can give a false sense of security

• Watch out for freezing fog which is made of water droplets that freeze on contact with objects such as the pavement, road, car, etc. It can quickly form a layer of ice.

• Smog is in contact with fog cause more severe conditions reduced the visibility more.

• Asthma patient avoid to driving where smog is present with fog . 

• Check all the lights of vechel for their proper functions before start journey.

• Keep your speed slow as much as possible depending upon conditions.

• Keep proper distance during driving from other vechels.

• Rain makes the situation more worst. Even moderate rain can reduce your ability to see and be seen. A good rule of thumb is ‘if it’s time for your wipers, it’s time to slow down’

• Turn your wiper when visibility is low, whether it's raining or not. 

• Roads will be more slippery than usual in wet weather – slow down and Increase your gap to moving traffic in front

• grip your steering wheel firmly with both hands. 

• Avoid overtaking

• If visibility is very limited, wind down your windows at junctions and crossroads to allow you to listen out for approaching traffic. 

• Keep an eye out for cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians

• If you really cannot see, you should consider stopping until it is safe to continue.

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