We are in the middle of winter and, especially in the more humid areas, there is a risk of encountering fog while driving and this can cause some problems that increase the risks: here are some tricks and tips on how to drive in fog
We are in the coldest period of the year, that period in which, in some cases, we can come across atmospheric obstacles which make driving more difficult. Winter is full of these problems for drivers, in fact we have even written a guide on how to drive in snow. In addition to the snow, which makes the wheels less adherent to the asphalt, there is another big problem that blurs the vision of road users: fog. Don’t worry, we have some tips for dealing with it.
Is travel necessary? | How to drive in fog: tips and tricks
The first thing to ask yourself before leaving, especially if it is a medium-long trip, is to ask yourself the question “but I absolutely have to make this trip?“. Let’s say you want to go out and hang out with some friends and have fun. Nobody is stopping you from doing it, but if we were you we would avoid driving, visibility is very poor and, unless you necessarily have to travel for work, at most you get around with your friends on foot. However, if you absolutely have to leave, there is the number for safety Traffic Call Center, i.e. 840 04 21 21or you can consult the notices on the portal Motorways for Italy. The important thing is that, before you travel, you find out about the weather conditions.
Check the car | How to drive in fog: tips and tricks
This is something you should do Alwaysbut you have to do it especially when it’s foggy. Check that your car is ok, check the condition of the wheels, lights, braking system, tread etc. In reality, one thing that absolutely must be done before leaving is clean the headlights, eliminating all the dirt. When you find yourself on the road in the fog, headlights are the only salvation and can warn other users that you are present on the street. However, since fog makes vision poorer, headlights must be as clean as possible to ensure that the light they emit is clearly visible.
Decrease speed | How to drive in fog: tips and tricks
Obviously, one of the most important things to do in case you encounter fog while driving is decrease speed. It is no coincidence that on the motorway the minimum speed limit is 50 kmthe reason is there and it is very clear: it is impossible to see what is happening within a 100 meter radius. So it is a very wise choice to drive at a specific speed, avoid racing and therefore have a very calm and slow pace. If by any chance someone insists on overtaking you while hanging on to your bumper, then pull over and let them pass. Always remember to respect all traffic signs you encounter along the way.
Use fog lights | How to drive in fog: tips and tricks
This is something very obvious, but it is always better to remember it: fog lights are salvation. Just pay attention to the name, these are very useful when there is a lot of fog on the street and visibility is poor. But be careful, they must be used in the right way, because otherwise they could blind other road users. If the mist is light, in fact, you don’t need to turn them on due to the power of their light. The Highway Code punishes the abuse of fog lights with fines starting from a minimum of 41 euros up to a maximum of 168 euros. This is why fog lights should be used, but only when visibility is less than 100 metres.
Turn off the radio
While music can help you relax during stressful situations, it’s actually a huge distraction when it’s foggy. So, absolutely, turn off the radio and concentrate totally on the road and what surrounds you, there must be no sound or noise to distract you. Also turn off your smartphone, because even a single call, message or any sound it makes can distract you.
With these tips you should be able to get by when you encounter fog while driving. We hope these tips will help you should you find yourself in this situation. Continue to follow us on techgameworld.com for other guides from the world of motors and so on.