What is the safest way to drive when two vehicles meet in foggy weather?
2 Answers
When driving in foggy conditions and encountering another vehicle, the safest practice is to maintain low speed and a large following distance. Here are some precautions for driving in fog: 1. Proper use of lights: Turn on the fog lights when driving in fog. If the fog is extremely heavy, also turn on the hazard lights to avoid rear-end collisions and side-swipe accidents. Do not use high beams in foggy conditions. 2. Observe speed limits: In foggy areas, adjust your speed based on visibility. Use low-beam headlights, width markers, and tail lights, and increase the following distance appropriately while reducing speed. The speed should not exceed 20 km/h. 3. Avoid sudden braking: Sudden braking can cause the driver behind to react too late, leading to a rear-end collision. On highways, this can easily result in a chain-reaction collision. 4. Use the horn frequently: Frequent use of the horn helps other motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians determine your vehicle's position, thereby preventing accidents more effectively. When you hear another vehicle's horn, respond immediately by honking your own horn.
I've been driving for over a decade and have traveled many mountain roads and foggy routes. Let me share the most practical advice with you. The most crucial things in foggy conditions are your lights and speed. You must switch from high beams to low beams in advance, as high beams create a blinding white haze in the fog, making it impossible for both you and oncoming drivers to see the road clearly. At this time, keep your speed low, stay close to the right edge of your lane, and maintain a much greater following distance than usual. The most dangerous moment is when passing another vehicle—never change lanes or brake suddenly. Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel, maintain steady throttle, and pass slowly. Stay alert for sounds around you, as hazard lights can be lifesavers in critical moments. Don’t panic—slow and steady wins the race.
