What Is the Rule for Driving in Foggy Conditions?

Foggy weather significantly reduces visibility on the road, increasing the risk of accidents. In India, the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 does not provide specific rules solely for driving in fog, but it emphasizes road safety in general, including driving with caution under hazardous weather conditions like fog. There are general driving precautions that drivers must follow to reduce the risks associated with poor visibility and avoid accidents.

Rules and Safety Measures for Driving in Foggy Conditions:

Use of Fog Lights:

• Fog Lights: When driving in foggy conditions, it is crucial to use fog lights if the vehicle is equipped with them. These lights are designed to emit a wide, low beam that helps illuminate the road immediately in front of the vehicle without reflecting off the fog.
• Headlights: If fog lights are not available, drivers should use low beam headlights to ensure better visibility. High beam headlights should never be used in fog as the light reflects off the fog and reduces visibility even further.

Reducing Speed:

• Drive Slowly: In foggy conditions, visibility is significantly reduced. Therefore, the driver should reduce speed to allow more time to react to any sudden obstacles or vehicles ahead. The speed should be well below the posted speed limit, depending on the severity of the fog.
• Maintain Safe Distance: Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, as it may suddenly stop or slow down in poor visibility. A two-second rule can be helpful—maintain at least a two-second gap from the vehicle ahead, but this distance should be increased in fog.

Keep Your Windshield and Windows Clear:

• Defrosting and De-fogging: Ensure that the vehicle's windows and mirrors are free from fog. Use the defogger or air conditioning system to keep the windshield clear. This helps improve visibility both inside and outside the vehicle.
• Wipers: Keep the windshield wipers in working condition to clear any mist or fog that may build up on the glass, especially in very humid or damp conditions.

Use of Hazard Lights:

• Turn on Hazard Lights: In thick fog, it is advised to use hazard lights while driving slowly. This alerts other drivers to your presence, especially if you're moving at a much slower pace than usual. However, use them only when visibility is extremely low and avoid using them in light fog.

Avoid Sudden Stops:

• Avoid making any sudden stops in foggy conditions, as other drivers may not see your vehicle in time to react. If you need to stop, pull over to a safe spot on the side of the road, away from the flow of traffic.

Drive on the Edge of the Road:

• Stay on the Side of the Road: When visibility is very poor, it’s safer to drive closer to the edge of the road, following the lane markings and using the road's reflective markers to guide your vehicle.
• Watch for Road Signs and Markings: Pay attention to the road markings, as these can help guide you even when visibility is low.

Stopping in Severe Fog:

• If visibility becomes extremely poor and you cannot see the road or vehicles ahead of you, it's safer to pull over and stop in a safe location. Turn off your fog lights and keep the parking brake engaged to avoid your vehicle being mistaken for another moving vehicle.

Adherence to Traffic Signals:

• Traffic Signals and Signage: Follow all traffic signals carefully, as they may be difficult to see in fog. However, ensure you stop at red lights and stop signs to avoid accidents.

Check Weather Forecasts:

• Be Informed About Weather: Before starting your journey, check weather forecasts to determine if fog is expected, especially during the early morning or late evening hours when fog tends to form more frequently.

Example:

In Pune, during the early morning, a driver encounters dense fog while traveling on a highway. The driver slows down, switches on the low beam headlights, and keeps a safe distance from other vehicles. The driver also uses the vehicle's fog lights to maintain visibility. As visibility becomes extremely low, the driver safely pulls over to the shoulder of the road and waits until the fog clears before resuming the journey.

Conclusion:

Driving in foggy conditions requires extra caution and adherence to specific safety measures to minimize accidents. Using proper lighting, reducing speed, maintaining a safe distance, and avoiding sudden movements are essential rules when driving in fog. While the Motor Vehicles Act doesn’t provide detailed rules specifically for foggy conditions, drivers are expected to follow general safety regulations and adapt to weather-related challenges on the road.