Driving in the fog: useful tips

Fog driving is an essential skill that any British driver has to learn in their quest for lower car insurance payments, as even with the best car insurance, your payments are still dependent upon your driving record. If you get into an accident while driving in the fog, there are few car insurance companies that wouldn't raise the rates for your cover correspondingly. If you can't drive safely in the fog, you are a liability to any insurance company that would take you on; therefore, it is important to learn the basics of fog driving sooner rather than later.

First of all, you need to understand what fog is. When you're driving through fog, it's like you're driving through a cloud. It consists of tiny water droplets suspended in the air at ground level. It forms when the air temperature drops below a certain point, and the humidity is 100%, meaning that you're breathing in pure water vapour. People often mistake fog for just a grey day outside, but it is a serious hazard on the road. Ideally, you should treat fog as you treat a bad rainstorm or blizzard - stay inside unless it's absolutely necessary to leave the house. However, if you have to go somewhere and the fog is sticking around, you should follow these guidelines.

Low Beams

Many drivers think that because they can't see through the fog, they need to turn on their high beams. Nothing could be further from the truth. Stick to your low beams as you drive through fog, because high beams will just reflect haphazardly across the water droplets in the fog. Think of water droplets like an infinity of funhouse mirrors. They only make sense if you look at them obliquely out of the corner of your eye - full-on high beam vision will just confuse you.

Drive Slowly

It goes without saying that in difficult driving conditions, you should drive more slowly than usual. This way, you can stop more quickly.

Keep the Window Open a Crack

By keeping your window open, you solve two problems. First, you solve the problem of poor visibility because you can hear cars more easily than you can see them. Second, you solve the problem of increased humidity fogging up your windshield from the outside. Condensation forms on your windshield as a result of the difference in air quality between the inside and the outside of the car, so by letting some of the outside air in, you reduce windshield fog. Always make sure to use your windshield wipers as needed, however.

Slow and Steady

Be patient with other drivers while driving, but don't stop in the middle of the road or on the highway either. Chances are, other drivers haven't read this, and they may be driving too quickly to be able to stop when they see your car. Remember that getting into an accident and having to use your insurance coverage to pay for an accident may impact your rates. To get the best deal on your car insurance, it is advisable to contact a respected insurance provider such as Your Cover Insurance.