Tips to get you safely through misty weather
Driving in early morning misty weather considerably reduces visibility and poses a danger to you, other motorists and pedestrians.
The Automobile Association (AA) provides some tips on how to make sure your vehicle is fit to drive in this weather and to get your to destinations safely.
Check your vehicle
• Keep your headlights bright
Your headlights can often be overlooked, but on those overcast winter days or if you are travelling at night, they are crucial for your safety.
Ensure your vehicle’s lights are switched on, that they are functioning properly and that the focus of the headlights are correctly adjusted.
Also read:Â 5 Wet weather driving mistakes to avoid
• Check your anti-freeze
Your anti-freeze is an essential element for ensuring your car’s protection this winter.
Make sure the mixture of water and anti-freeze is as close to 50/50 as possible and at optimum level.
Many petrol stations will check this for you, free of charge.
Note that some anti-freeze brands are premixed and do not require the addition of any water.
It is also important not to mix different brands of anti-freeze in your cooling system.
• Keep a safe following distance
Also read:Â Tips for driving in wet weather
Driving in fog
Driving in foggy conditions requires special safe driving techniques to help you arrive alive.
Although mist and fog look like smoke, they are actually tiny drops of water floating in the air.
Fog is distinguished from mist only by its density, as expressed in the resulting decrease in visibility:
It reduces visibility to less than 1km, whereas mist reduces visibility to a larger distance.
Tips
• When driving in fog, reduce speed and turn on headlights as it will increase visibility.
• Beware of other drivers not using headlights.
• Keep the minimum travelling distance to three seconds in ideal conditions.
• Never stop in the middle of the road.
• Do not attempt to pass other vehicles, stay patient and calm.
• Look and listen for any hazards that may be ahead.
• Reduce distractions and turn off your cellphone.
• At a junction with limited visibility, stop, wind down the window, and listen for traffic.
• Watch for any electronically operated warning signs.
• If unsafe to drive any further, pull off the road in a protected area from other traffic and switch on emergency lights.
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