Lifestyle Blogger

Tuesday, November 12

The Recommended Guide for Driving in Fog

Cars driving on a foggy road.

Today, Glasgow is extremely foggy, which often leads to a moody atmosphere. However, it's an ideal time to light candles and enjoy a relaxing movie. Personally, if you don't have any important activities outside of your house, I recommend staying indoors.

Foggy days are perfect for cuddling up in a blanket, lighting some scented candles, and enjoying a warm cup of pumpkin spice tea. If you have to go out, be vigilant and walk away from the roadway. Use less-busy footways that are close to motorways. Drivers do not see far, even though there are fog lights in cars.

For any motorist, one of the worst conditions is driving in fog. The thick mist greatly obscures vision, thereby making it difficult to see possible hazards, estimate distances, or even tell moving from stationary cars apart. This thorough advice will enable you to safely negotiate foggy weather.
 
Understanding the Difficulties of Foggy Conditions

Fog can seriously affect both your visibility on the road and in other cars. Visibility may occasionally reduce to only a few meters, which would make it challenging to estimate speed or tell if the car ahead is still or moving. This lowered visibility height increases the likelihood of crashes; hence, your driving behavior needs to change.

Basic Advice for Safe Driving in Fog: Use dipped headlights, wipers, and demisters.

Driving in fog, always switch to dipped headlights. High beams reflect off the fog, producing glare and even more limited seeing. Keep your windshield clear by running your wipers and demisters.

Turn on foglights as needed.

Front and rear fog lights, designed to cut through mist, enhance your car's visibility to others. Turn them off when circumstances improve to prevent blinding other vehicles; use them if visibility falls below 100 meters.

Change your pace and boost your following distance.

Drive at a slower pace than usual due to the possibility of fog impairing your ability to judge speed. Allow a minimum three-second gap between you and the vehicle in front instead of the usual two. This greater distance gives more time to react to abrupt stops.

Avoid relying solely on automatic lights.

Automatic headlights might not turn on in misty weather, particularly during the day. Make sure your lights are manually turned on to remain visible to other drivers.

Remain vigilant at interchanges.
If you have limited sight at a junction, open your windows to listen for vehicles. This can enable you to identify approaching cars you might not be able to see.



Mistakes people make when driving in Fog
  • Avoid tailgating other vehicles.
  • Especially if you rely on the automobile ahead to assist you, following too closely can cause you to feel falsely secure. 
  • Stay far enough to prevent running across each other.
  • Avoid accelerating to flee tailgaters.
  • It can be tempting to accelerate if a car is behind too closely. Rather, keep a constant, safe speed and let them pass if at all feasible.
  • Never rely just on daytime running lights.
  • Only the front of your car is lit by these lights. To avoid rear-end incidents, make sure your back lights are also on.
Getting your vehicle ready for a drive-through fog

Make sure your car is in the best shape for foggy conditions before you start driving.
  • Clean your windows and lights; dirt and grime will help to further obscure the view. 
  • Check your windscreen, fog lights, and headlights for perfect clarity.
  • Examine batteries and fuel levels. A particularly risky situation could be running out of petrol or experiencing a break in fog. 
  • Check that your car is fit for the trip.
  • Verify that every light is operational. Make sure your fog lights are working properly, as they will allow other cars to see you.

Does every car come with fog lights?

Absolutely, it's a requirement for all cars to have rear fog lights! It's important to note that not all cars come equipped with front fog lights, as they are not mandatory.


The Function of Fog Lights: When and Should One Use Them?

The purpose of fog lights is to enhance visibility in heavy fog. Here is a basic guide:
  • Mounted low on the car, front fog lights point downward to illuminate beneath the fog. They light the road without generating glare.
  • Rear fog lights have the same power as brake lights, but they are bright red lights. They help drivers behind you spot your car in low-visibility situations.
When is the best time to use them?

Turn on your fog lights should visibility fall less than 100 meters. Remember to turn them off when the conditions are better to prevent misleading other drivers or generating pointless glare.

Legal Advice on UK Fog Lights

Incorrect use of fog lights could cause fines:

The Highway Code advises against using fog lights unless absolutely necessary; they should only be used when vision is much decreased (less than 100 meters). In clear conditions, using fog lights can result in a £50 fine.

You never should substitute your fog lights for your headlights. If a headlamp bulb burns out, replace it immediately as soon as you can!

To sum up, First Priority: Safety

Driving in fog calls both caution. By varying your speed, utilizing the right lights, and keeping a safe distance from other vehicles, always give safety top priority. Fog and damp road conditions can also increase stopping distances, so be prepared to slow down even more.

These rules can help you confidently negotiate foggy circumstances, guaranteeing safer travel for other road users as well as yourself.

Photo by Matheus Bertelli
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69 comments

  1. Melody, your next interesting article. I read it with great interest.
    P.S.
    Unfortunately, the weather at my place is also foggy... It's cold and rainy, but today the weather doesn't bother me because my mother is healthy!!!
    Melody, I salute you!

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    1. I’m sorry to hear about the foggy weather, but it’s wonderful to hear that your mom is doing well! That’s definitely something to celebrate, no matter the weather. Sending warm thoughts your way and wishing you lots of happiness and health.

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  2. Driving in fog can be scary as all get out and not something thankfully I had to do very often.
    Some good and sensible advice here

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    1. I totally agree—driving in fog can be really nerve-wracking! It’s definitely one of those situations where it's better to be cautious.

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  3. I learned how to drive in the fog - I lived in San Francisco!
    One time I was driving up from LA to home in San Francisco and hit that tule fog in the Central Valley in winter. It was bad and then I noticed the big rig trucks were parked on the side of the interstate- I took that as good advice to pull over and wait for that fog to clear. Took about an hour!

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    1. Wow, learning to drive in San Francisco must have really prepared you for foggy conditions! That tule fog in the Central Valley can definitely be intense—good call on pulling over and waiting it out. It’s always a bit unsettling when you see the big rigs parked, but it’s a smart move to follow their lead. I’m glad you were safe, even if it took a little extra time! Thanks for sharing that experience, it’s a great reminder to always prioritize safety in tough conditions.

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  4. Querida amiga, muy interesante y útil tu post, te felicito.
    Yo con niebla no conduzco.
    Abrazos y te dejo un besito, que tengas un feliz día

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  5. I totally understand—foggy driving can be a bit daunting. It’s great that you don’t have to deal with it.

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  6. We often have foggy days in the cooler months. Unfortunately too many people drive too fast, putting themselves and other road users at risk. You have some great (and sensible) tips here.

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    1. Some individuals may perceive fog as merely a special effect in a video game, requiring them to activate the dramatic music, accelerate, and rely on chance. Slowing down isn't just sensible; it’s survival. Glad you found the tips helpful!

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  7. Driving on hazy roads is tough.

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    1. Right? It’s like the universe decided to wrap the world in a giant, damp cotton ball just to mess with your visibility. It’s tough, but not impossible—you just have to take it slow, keep those fog lights on, and pretend you’re navigating through a mysterious quest instead of the morning commute.

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  8. Siempre hay que tener cuidado cuando se conduce. Gracias por los consejos. Te mando un beso.

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    1. Definitely! Thanks for reading—if it saves even one person from a foggy fender-bender, it’s worth it. Stay safe out there!

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  9. I lived most of my life in an island in the North Atlantic where fog was a way of life. Such great tips in this post!

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    1. Sounds like you’ve got a PhD in fog navigation! Living on a North Atlantic island must’ve been like driving through a permanent misty movie scene. Glad you enjoyed the tips—figured a few tricks of the trade might help everyone else survive their cameo in “Fog Wars.

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  10. Lighting candles and enjoying a warm cup of pumpkin spice tea is an excellent way to embrace the ambiance. Staying indoors, especially when the visibility is reduced significantly, not only allows for relaxation but also promotes safety during such conditions. I don't drive but this is definitely helpful advice.

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    1. You know what, I think you’ve cracked the code. Forget driving through fog—why brave the roads when you can cozy up indoors with candles and pumpkin spice tea? Sounds like a much smarter plan than squinting at taillights in the mist. Hahaha...

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  11. Those are some really great tips! I am glad that I don't have to drive :-)

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    1. Honestly, you’re living the dream! No foggy commutes, no squinting to see two feet in front of you—just staying cozy while everyone else tries not to miss their exit in a cloud. Thanks for reading, and cheers to stress-free, fog-free living!

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  12. Fastidia bastante ir por una carretera con niebla espesa, pero no siempre puedes quedarte en casa. Buenos consejos nos das. Y sobre todo mucha prudencia.

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    1. Indeed, foggy drives are nature's way of suggesting that your day should be a little more complicated. But you're right—you can't always avoid it. That’s why it’s all about taking it slow, staying sharp, and pretending you’re in some suspenseful thriller where the hero actually survives. Thanks for the kind words, and yes, stay careful out there—fog isn’t the time to test your Formula 1 skills!

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  13. Por aquí no hay niebla nunca, pero es cierto que he viajado alguna vez con ella y hay que extremar las precauciones. El plan de mantita y sofá cuando no se trabaja, me parece perfecto.
    Un beso.

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    1. It appears that you are in the "no fog zone," which is a positive development! However, if fog does unexpectedly roll in, it's crucial to take extreme precautions particularly when the fog appears to be engulfing the entire road. And yes, when you can’t avoid it, the blanket and sofa plan is definitely the superior option—fog-free and stress-free. Take care and enjoy the clear skies while you’ve got ‘em!

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  14. Conducir con niebla es bastante peligroso. Interesante entrada.

    Un abrazo.

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    1. It definitely is! Fog turns even the simplest drive into a game of "guess what's ahead." It’s important to remember that slow and steady wins the race, especially when visibility’s at a minimum. I'm delighted you found the post intriguing—I hope it contributes to people's safety the next time fog descends!

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  15. I don't have a driver's license, so I don't drive myself.
    But I also don't like sitting in the car when it's foggy.
    Greetings Irma

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    1. Fair enough—being a passenger in foggy conditions can feel just as tense! It's as if you find yourself in a situation where you have no control. Best to just relax (as much as you can) and let the driver handle it—while secretly hoping they’re following all the fog-driving rules!

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  16. Thank you for all the good advices! Today we have a very tick fog here too, and it's cold outside. The fog can make the road slippery. It's dangerous, and I will not drive today.

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    1. Smart move! Fog can turn a regular drive into a real challenge, and when it’s cold, too, that’s just asking for slippery roads. Staying off the road today sounds like the safest choice.

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  17. Thank you for such an interesting and informative post. Drivers should be as careful and attentive on the road as possible when driving in fog.

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    1. Exactly! The fog truly challenges your focus. It’s not the time to let your mind wander or rush through the drive. Staying focused, slowing down, and giving yourself more space on the road can make all the difference. Glad you found the post helpful—hope it encourages everyone to take a little extra care next time they hit the foggy roads!

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  18. Muito bons conselhos. Sei como é complicado conduzir com neblina.
    Grata.

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    1. Stay safe out there, and it’s wonderful to hear the tips were helpful!

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  19. Foggy conditions can be really hard, especially now in autumn time.

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    1. Totally! Autumn brings that perfect combo of crisp air and thick fog, making the roads feel like you're driving through a mystery novel. Although autumn is a beautiful season. At least the fall colors are lovely to look at when you can see them!

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  20. There is such good advice in your blog post. Much of it applies to daily driving in normal conditions, but fog is particularly trying and difficult.

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    1. You're absolutely right—many of the tips are just beneficial driving habits in general, but fog really cranks up the challenge. It’s like everyday driving with a twist—visibility is low, the road feels different, and everything’s just a bit more uncertain. This is why it's important to slow down and remain vigilant. Hopefully, we can all make foggy days a little less nerve-wracking with a bit of extra caution!

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  21. Você trouxe boas dicas, dirigir com neblina é perigoso bjs.

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  22. Thanks for sharing these tips for driving in fog. It can be very scary!

    https://www.kathrineeldridge.com

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    1. You're welcome! Fog really does have that spooky, "I-can't-see-anything" vibe, doesn’t it? But with the right precautions—slow speeds, fog lights, and plenty of patience—it doesn’t have to be as scary as it seems. It’s all about staying calm and taking it one foggy step at a time! Stay safe out there!

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  23. Yeah it was pretty foggy here too yesterday. I think the whole of central Scotland had it!

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    1. Ah, classic Scotland, always keeping things atmospheric! When the fog rolls in like that, it really turns the landscape into something out of a ghost story. Hopefully, you managed to stay safe on those misty roads! The fog did not go away. It stayed all tday.

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  24. Hola amiga, vivo en un lugar del mundo en el que muy pocas veces hay niebla, pero igual vienen bien tus consejos.
    Te mando un abrazo.

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    1. Glad the advice still hits home, even if fog isn’t a regular guest where you live! And hey, a hug back to you—no fog, no problem, just positive vibes. Stay safe and enjoy the clear skies!

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  25. We have a lot of fog in Germany.

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    1. Slow down, use your fog lights, and don’t let the mist turn you into a speed demon. Germany’s roads are beautiful enough that you don’t need to rush through them—especially when you can barely see the next kilometer!

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  26. I certainly try to avoid driving in the fog, especially in the big cities, everyone always seems to be in a rush and there always is at least one accident, people just don't want to slow down and take it safely, but I think it is that way all around, everyone is in a hurry anymore and don't seem to have much patience.

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    1. You're correct—the fog in big cities combines stress, impatience, and poor decision-making. People act like they’ve got somewhere to be yesterday—and it’s usually at full speed. It's unfortunate, but it's true that people often exhibit a hurry-up mentality. The trick is to ignore the madness around you, take a deep breath, and slow down. If everyone simply decelerated for a moment, we would all arrive safely. Patience might be a lost art, but it's the key to surviving fog (and traffic).

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  27. Unos consejos muy interesantes, la niebra es peligrosa para conducir y hay que tener mucho cuidado. Gracias

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    1. Exactly! Fog is like nature’s blindfold, and driving through it without caution is asking for trouble. It really comes down to slowing down, staying alert, and giving yourself more time to react. Glad you found the tips useful—better safe than sorry! Stay fog-free out there!

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  28. Dear Melody, thank you for all these important instructions about fog and driving in it. I love Scotland and this place is in our dreams. I should like to add in your avices for a calm foggy day. Living erotic moments may be?
    Have a nice day, my friend.

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    1. Ah, Scotland—definitely the kind of place where fog adds to the magic, mystery, and a bit of romance, if you’re lucky enough to experience it right! But as for adding living erotic moments to foggy day advice, I’ll leave that to the poets and the brave souls who can drive through it without a care. For the rest of us, let’s just stick to the safety tips while we daydream of Scotland’s misty beauty. Stay safe and have an adventurous, fog-free day!

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  29. Danke für deinen informativen und interessanten Beitrag.
    Bei Nebel fahren ist nicht immer leicht!
    Viele Grüße,
    Janina

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    1. You’re welcome! Driving in fog definitely isn't a walk in the park, but with a little caution, it’s manageable. Stay safe out there, and thanks for reading!

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  30. Poland has been foggy for the past few days. I was travelling through half of my country yesterday and I was fascinated to watch the fog becoming thicker and thicker.

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    1. That sounds like quite the experience! It's almost mesmerizing to watch the fog roll in like that, but I'm sure it also intensified the drive. Poland’s landscapes must look pretty eerie with that thick, creeping mist! I'm glad you were able to witness it, though—fog has a mysterious vibe that can transform an ordinary road trip into something almost cinematic. Hopefully, you stayed safe and took it slow as it thickened up!

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  31. Thank you so much for sharing these tips! As a business owner, I stress the importance of being safe while driving. One of my employees told me about his experience driving in the fog, and how the person in front of him didn't have rear taillights. Scary!! I'll be sharing this with employees, loved ones, and family.

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    1. That’s a vital point—especially when other drivers aren’t taking the proper precautions. Driving in stealth mode with a missing taillight in fog can lead to disastrous consequences. Sharing this with your employees and loved ones is a wonderful call—sometimes it just takes one person reminding everyone of the risks to make a difference. Kudos for being proactive about safety!

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  32. Olá, amiga Melody
    Excelentes recomendações aqui deixas para uma condução segura em tempo de nevoeiro.
    Muito bom post!
    Grato pelas visitas, aos meus cantinhos e gentis comentários.
    Beijinhos e continuação de boa semana!

    Mário Margaride

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  33. It's been a long time since I've had to drive in dense fog, but not long enough to know that I didn't like it. These are great tips to keep in mind if fog becomes a problem in the future.

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  34. Yes, driving in fog can be dangerous. It's important to stay alert and pay attention to our surroundings.

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  35. Hello Melody💚
    I love fog, it's so magical and extraordinary, as if it hid secrets..
    Foggy days are conducive to staying at home.. best lying or sitting under a blanket, with scented candles, drinking tasty tea, reading books and watching movies, as you like :)
    Fog is very dangerous on the road, while driving a car..
    Thank you for a very interesting article, which contains wise advice on how to travel safely in fog..
    Regards and I wish you good days 🤗🍀😘

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  36. I like a foggy day, but not when driving. Good job with tips for the road. We've been way too sunny and warm here in Texas. I'm ready for some sweater weather. Take care and stay cozy.

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  37. I don't think US cars have fog lights -- at least, not the 2016 model I have. These are all terrific ideas. We get periodic bouts of big fog and I try not to go out in it, but sometimes there is no choice. Excellent piece, Melody.

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  38. Thank you for sharing this good and sensible advice.

    All the best Jan

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