Should Hazard Lights Be Used When Driving in Fog?
2 Answers
When driving in fog, it is not necessary to use hazard lights; turning on the fog lights is sufficient. Here are some introductions about why hazard lights are not needed when driving in fog: 1. Pay attention to the relationship between speed and visibility. For example, in heavy fog with low visibility, you should slow down and adjust your speed according to the fog's density and visibility to ensure you have enough time to react in case of an emergency. 2. Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Turn on the vehicle's headlights and fog lights, and in severe conditions, you can use hazard lights to proceed. However, avoid using high beams with fog lights, as high beams are angled upwards and can easily obscure the fog lights, impairing the driver's vision and posing a danger to other drivers. 3. Frequently use the horn to indicate your position. While constant honking is generally considered impolite, it can be very effective in foggy conditions. Especially for American and European car models, their horns have strong penetration in the air, carrying sound over long distances, unlike Japanese cars, whose horns are sharp and easily noticeable at close range but not effective at a distance. 4. Drive in pairs. When driving in fog, low temperatures can easily cause condensation and other issues that may obstruct vision. If there is an experienced driver leading the way in front, it can help avoid problems and reduce stress. 5. When driving, stay in the middle of the road rather than on the sides. Due to low visibility, it is harder to handle situations that may arise on the sides of the road. Therefore, it is better to drive in the middle of the road.
I remember driving in foggy conditions many times, and experience has taught me never to use hazard lights recklessly. Last time on the highway, the fog was very thick, and I saw a car driving with its hazard lights on. I thought it had broken down and stopped on the road, but then it suddenly changed lanes, forcing me to brake hard and nearly causing a rear-end collision. So now, in foggy conditions, I only use the car's fog lights: the front fog lights to illuminate the road ahead and the rear fog lights to make sure the car behind can see me clearly. This is not only safer but also avoids misleading other drivers. Additionally, I always reduce my speed to a safe range, such as 30-40 km/h in the city, and maintain at least double the usual following distance. In foggy weather, I also frequently check my mirrors to stay aware of my surroundings and avoid driving too fast—this way, I protect myself without causing trouble for others. Overall, using hazard lights while moving is a dangerous habit; it's better to focus on fog lights and drive cautiously.
