How to Follow Other Vehicles When Driving in Foggy Weather?
2 Answers
There are three key precautions to take when following other vehicles in foggy conditions. Below are the relevant guidelines for driving in fog: 1. Use low beams: Many drivers instinctively assume high beams provide better visibility. However, foggy conditions require the opposite approach - use low beams. High beams project light upward, which gets diffusely reflected by the fog, creating a blinding white wall in front of the vehicle. 2. Turn on headlights and fog lights: When visibility drops below 1 kilometer in fog, it's advisable to activate all vehicle lights including headlights, width markers, and hazard lights (except high beams) to alert surrounding vehicles. 3. Frequent horn use: Drivers should honk regularly in foggy weather to enhance safety.
I drive with extra caution in foggy conditions because poor visibility can easily lead to accidents. When following other vehicles, I always reduce my speed to below 60% of the normal speed. I turn on my fog lights and headlights to increase my visibility to others, but avoid using high beams to prevent glare. Maintaining a safe distance is crucial—normally around 100 meters, but in foggy weather, I extend it to over 200 meters. This way, if the car in front brakes suddenly, I have enough time to react. I also frequently check my rearview mirror to ensure I’m not at risk of being rear-ended. If the fog is too thick to see clearly, I find a safe spot to pull over and wait for the fog to lift before continuing. Experience has taught me that patience is key—I never take risks like changing lanes or speeding just to save time. These practices have kept me safe during many foggy drives.
