You can also look for clues on road conditions such as ice on the pavement or on your windscreen before you start your journey and take extra care. Read more about driving in mist and fog.Īlways adjust your driving according to the conditions and plan your journey by checking the latest weather forecast.If the fog is so severe that you’re struggling to see other vehicles, switch on your fog lights.Ensure the heater is set to windscreen de-misting and open all the vents. If your car is fitted with air conditioning, use it, as it will stop the windows from misting up.If you really cannot see, you should consider stopping until it is safe to continue. If visibility is very limited, wind down your windows at junctions and crossroads to allow you to listen out for approaching traffic.Follow the ‘two-second rule’ to leave sufficient space between you and the car in front.However, do not use full beam lights, because the fog reflects the light back, reducing visibility even further. If your car has automatic lights, remember to check the lights are on, as they may not be automatically activated in foggy conditions.When there’s fog around, make sure you’re familiar with how to operate your front and rear fog lights.Advice for how to drive in mist and fog (from RAC) Keep children and pets away from flood water - it contains hidden dangers such as heavy debris, sharp objects, open manhole covers, sewage and chemicals.ĭriving in mist and fog When should you use headlights in fog?Īccording to the Highway Code, you must use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced - generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres.Avoid walking through floodwater, even shallow moving water can knock you off your feet.They are more likely to be blown around by side winds – always keep a safe distance. Remember to give vulnerable road users including cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians more room than usual. Keep an eye out for cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians You can sign up for free flood warnings for your area here. The public are advised to stay away from swollen rivers and not to walk or drive through flood water. Although the water may seem shallow, just 12 inches (30cm) of moving water can float your car, potentially taking it to deeper water from which you may need rescuing.įlood water also contains hidden hazards which can damage your car, and just an egg-cupful of water sucked into your car's engine will lead to severe damage. The number one cause of death during flooding is driving through flood water, so the safest advice is turn around, don't drown. If the road is flooded, turn around and find another route. Remember it affects others too, so anticipate their actions and be prepared. Keep your eyes peeled on the road at all times as spray from other vehicles can suddenly reduce your visibility.Increase your following gap to at least four seconds from the moving traffic in front Roads will be more slippery than usual in wet weather – be sure to give yourself more time to react when approaching a hazard.Ensure that you maintain enough room either side of your vehicle so you can account for it being blown sideways Keep an eye out for gaps between trees, buildings or bridges over a river or railway – these are some of the places you are more likely to be exposed to side winds.This is particularly important when planning to overtake Gusts of wind can unsettle vehicles – grip your steering wheel firmly with both hands.Use dipped headlights if visibility is seriously reduced.If you can, choose main roads, where you are less likely to be exposed to fallen branches and debris and flooding.If heavy downpours are expected, avoid starting your journey until it clears.A good rule of thumb is ‘if it’s time for your wipers, it’s time to slow down’ Even moderate rain can reduce your ability to see and be seen.Driving in storms, rain and high winds Choices and planning ahead The most important thing to remember before setting off on any journey is to check the weather forecast and plan ahead. Here we provide advice from the experts at National Highways, RAC, and the Institute of Advanced Motorists. From high winds, strong sunlight and fog to snow and ice, all weathers can present different challenges both for keeping the travel networks open and for those navigating through the difficult conditions. It's not just winter weather which can wreak havoc on the roads - even rain at any time of the year can be dangerous - in fact 9 out of 10 weather-related deaths and serious injuries on the roads take place in the rain. The Great British weather presents different challenges in different seasons.
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