How to Handle Patchy Fog on Highways?
3 Answers
Solutions for encountering patchy fog on highways are as follows: 1. Slow down: Stay calm when entering a patchy fog area. If distance and lane conditions permit, slow down and move into the far-right lane, then exit the highway slowly or enter a service area for a temporary stop. When visibility is less than 200 meters but more than 100 meters, speed should not exceed 60 km/h; when visibility is less than 100 meters but more than 50 meters, speed should not exceed 40 km/h. Additionally, maintain a distance 2 to 3 times the normal following distance from the vehicle ahead. 2. Avoid sudden braking: When suddenly entering a patchy fog area, abrupt braking can easily cause a chain-reaction collision. If you cannot exit the highway, choose to stop in the emergency parking lane, immediately turn on the hazard lights to alert vehicles behind you. 3. Use lights: When entering a patchy fog area, turn on the headlights, fog lights, and side marker lights, and use the hazard warning flashers if necessary. Note that high beams should not be used as they scatter in fog, creating a blinding whiteout effect that is very dangerous.
When encountering patchy fog on the highway, the first thing I do is reduce speed to 40-60 km/h. The speed shouldn't be too slow to prevent rear-end collisions from vehicles behind. Immediately turn on the front fog lights, but never use high beams as they cause more glare from the fog. Maintaining a safe distance of at least 150 meters from the vehicle ahead is crucial – poor visibility makes braking difficult. Keep your eyes focused on the road ahead and avoid using your phone. If the fog becomes so thick that you can't see the road, quickly turn on hazard lights and pull over to the emergency lane or the nearest service area to wait for the fog to clear. Safety comes first – don't risk overtaking or lane changes. Resume driving only when visibility improves. Additionally, ensure regular maintenance of vehicle lights to guarantee proper function during foggy conditions and avoid last-minute failures. Following these steps helps prevent accidents and protects lives – yours and others'.
I have a lot of experience dealing with patchy fog, and I recommend staying alert while driving. If you encounter that kind of thick white fog, immediately slow down by gently applying the brakes—avoid slamming them. Turn on your fog lights to increase your vehicle's visibility, and only use hazard lights when parked. Remember to maintain a safe distance from the car in front, preferably over 150 meters, as high speeds on highways can lead to chain collisions. Set up your navigation device in advance to easily locate exits; regularly check your car's fog lights to avoid discovering they're broken when you need them. In poor visibility, avoid sharp turns or accelerating—follow the lane markings and drive slowly. If necessary, pull over to the emergency lane and turn on your hazard lights. Learning some weather knowledge beforehand and avoiding travel during foggy seasons is the wisest choice.
