Drive Safely in the Fog

There has been a lot of fog across the UAE lately as a result of the cool water of the ocean mingling with the air from the desert, which results in fog forming over the ocean and getting blown inland by the ocean breeze.

While the fog has provided us with spectacular imagery on social media and amazing morning vistas, it is a major hazard for drivers due to the reduction in visibility, which in turn reduces a driver’s reaction time to stimuli. In order to help keep you safe, we at Saeedi Pro have some tips for driving in the fog:

1. Reduce Speeds: Due to the reduction in visibility and reaction time, it is all the more hazardous to drive at high speeds. Speed limits have even been reduced on several roads in order to ensure driver safety, so it is recommended that you drive slower and pay attention to the signage on the road in order to avoid missing information that could end up costing you.
2. Make sure to check your lights and mirrors: Always check your lights and mirrors to ensure maximum visibility before you drive. It is very important to drive with lights on when driving in fog, as it increases your visibility for other drivers on the road. Fog lights can penetrate the fog with more ease than regular headlights, but if your vehicle does not have those, you may want to consider covering your headlights in cellophane so that the light can penetrate the fog better.
3. Make sure your windshield is clean: Sometimes, for can result in condensation on your windshield, which hampers one’s visibility even further. The best thing to do in such situations is to turn your heater on and direct it at the windshield, which will cause the condensation to dissipate within minutes.
4. Make sure to leave greater distance between vehicles: One of the most critical changes that one needs to make to their driving style while driving in fog is to leave greater distance between vehicles. The potential for accidents is far greater when driving in foggy conditions, which is why it is recommended that you leave enough distance between you and the vehicle in front of you in order to be able to come to a complete standstill without colliding with the vehicle in front of you in case it is forced to come to a complete standstill.
5. Drive close to road markers: The reduced visibility can lead to some drivers being caught unaware at turns and bends in the road, which is why it is advised that you try and drive close to a road or lane marker that is clearly visible whenever possible. This will allow you to follow the road easily, while continuing to focus on the traffic around you.
6. Make sure your brakes are functioning perfectly: When driving in difficult conditions, it is extremely important to ensure that your brakes are functioning perfectly, your wheel alignment and balancing is optimised and that the general condition of your car is as good as it can be. Make sure you get your vehicle checked regularly when driving in such tricky conditions.

The most important thing to remember is that your safety is paramount. In case you find the lack of visibility too disorienting and are having trouble keeping track of traffic around you, find a safe spot and pull over. Wait till visibility increases or you feel more in-control before you begin to drive again. Stay safe!