Why Honk More When Driving in Heavy Fog?
2 Answers
When driving in heavy fog, honking more is to attract the attention of others and avoid dangers. Heavy fog significantly reduces visibility, so sounding the horn several times can alert pedestrians and vehicles, preventing traffic accidents. Additionally, it's essential to turn on the fog lights and clearance lights to enhance safety. Precautions for Driving in Fog: Mental Preparation: Before driving, accurately assess the day's visibility to be well-prepared. The lower the visibility, the more cautious you should be. If visibility is less than 5 meters, it's considered extremely heavy fog, and it's best not to drive. Wait until the fog dissipates or lightens. Check Car Fog Lights: Before setting off, ensure the vehicle's fog lights are functioning properly and are installed according to national standards. When visibility is less than 1 kilometer, you must turn on the headlights and rear fog lights. Mind Your Speed: When driving in fog, strictly adhere to traffic rules and speed limits. Avoid speeding as poor visibility makes it highly prone to accidents. Overtaking and aggressive driving are strictly prohibited to prevent mishaps. The heavier the fog, the shorter the visible distance, and the lower the speed should be. Experts recommend: when visibility is less than 500 meters but more than 200 meters, speed should not exceed 60 km/h; less than 200 meters but more than 100 meters, speed should not exceed 40 km/h; less than 100 meters but more than 50 meters, speed should not exceed 30 km/h; and when visibility is less than 50 meters, maintain a speed of around 5 km/h. Maintain Distance: Drive at a low speed in fog, especially keeping a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Avoid tailgating and unnecessary overtaking. Actively maintain a safe following distance to allow enough emergency space and reaction time if the vehicle ahead encounters problems. If you notice the vehicle behind is too close, lightly tap the brakes a few times (without actually braking) to illuminate the brake lights, reminding the following vehicle to keep an appropriate distance.
After driving for so many years, I find it really necessary to honk the horn more often in heavy fog. The fog obscures everything, reducing visibility to an astonishingly short distance, sometimes making it hard to even see the front of my own car. I honk to alert other drivers and pedestrians of my presence, as if silently saying, 'Be careful, I’m coming.' Without making some noise, people ahead or beside me might have no idea where I am, and if they suddenly appear, a collision becomes all too easy. For example, when turning at intersections, I often honk as a warning. Once, I nearly hit an electric bike rider, but because I honked early, he slowed down. This isn’t just about protecting myself—it’s also about considering others. Combined with turning on fog lights and driving at a reduced speed, the whole journey becomes much safer. In short, it’s a simple yet highly practical habit that significantly reduces the risk of accidents, especially on highways or narrow rural roads—definitely worth adopting.
