With spring quickly approaching it’s important we remind you of how to drive safely in fog. Typically, fog follows a rainy period and happens in early spring when the temperatures are a bit cooler.
Considering the time of year, it’s safe to say that you will most likely experience a couple of foggy drives this spring. To ensure you stay safe while driving, make sure you inform yourself with these do’s and don’ts that have been adapted from the Ontario MTO Driver’s Handbook.
WHAT TO DO:
- Always ensure you match your speed to the conditions, and slow down!
- Make sure you use the full lighting system on your vehicle.
- Use your fog lights (if you have them), in addition to your low beams.
- Avoid using high beams, as they reflect off the moisture droplets in the fog, making it harder to see.
- Be patient. Avoid passing, changing lanes and crossing traffic.
- Use pavement markings to help guide you. Use the right edge of the road as a guide, rather than the centre line.
- Give yourself more space between vehicles, you need more space for safe braking.
- Keep looking as far ahead as possible.
- Keep your windows and mirrors clean, utilize your defroster and wipers.
- If the fog is too dense to continue, pull completely off the road and try to position your vehicle in a safe parking area. Turn on your emergency flashers, in addition to keeping on your low-beam headlights.
WHAT NOT TO DO:
- Don't stop on the traveled portion of the road, as this could easily cause a collision.
- Even if fog seems to be lifting, don't speed up suddenly.
- Don't speed up to pass a vehicle moving slowly or to get away from a vehicle that is following too closely.
When it comes to driving safely in the fog, it’s important you stay alert, watch your speed and do your best to remain calm. Informing yourself is the first step in ensuring your safety!
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