Here at ACC UK Ltd, Independent Volvo & Toyota Servicing, Repair & MOT Specialists based in Farnborough, Hampshire we like to give you handy hints and tips with regards to driving in a wide variety of weather conditions. This week our blog is all about how to drive safely in Fog - something we will all come across this winter.

Reduced visibility can be extremely dangerous. Taking precautions and knowing what to do when on the road can help reduce the risk to you and others this winter.

Fog dramatically reduces your visibility, meaning motorists must reduce their speeds significantly to ensure the roads are safe for both themselves and other users.

Fog lights

The Highway Code states that headlights must be used when visibility is less than 100 metres – roughly the length of a football pitch. Those needing to travel are advised to take extra care and ensure their lights (particularly fog lights) are in good working order before setting off. Drivers should also carry a mobile phone with a fully-charged battery and car adaptor if available (together with contact numbers if not already stored on the phone), and should ensure that their fuel tank is full, as using lights and heating can use a lot more fuel than usual.

The following tips should always be followed when driving in fog:

  • Make sure you know how to operate your front and rear fog lights before setting off. Don’t confuse these with your ‘full-beam’ setting. Always check all your lights on a regular basis to ensure they are all working correctly, if you find that a bulb is not working get it replaced immediately.
  • Headlights should be dipped at all times
  • Follow the ‘two-second rule’ to leave sufficient space between you and the car in front - use lamp posts to judge and count
  • Don’t attempt to navigate using the car in front’s tail lights, as this could lead you to getting too close to them and not leave sufficient stopping distance
  • If visibility is very limited, wind down your windows at junctions and crossroads to allow you to listen out for approaching traffic. If you really cannot see, you should consider stopping until it is safe to continue
  • Remember to turn your fog lights off as soon as conditions improve

Here at ACC UK Ltd, Independent Volvo and Toyota Servicing, Repair and MOT specialists are based in Farnborough, Hampshire. We have been established for 11 years and service, repair and MOT the vehicles of our customers from all over Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire, including Farnham, Fleet, Hook, Camberley, Aldershot, Bracknell, Basingstoke, Wokingham, Crowthorne and Sandhurst. We offer a free courtesy car and also a free collection and delivery service - please request one of these services at time of booking. We pride ourselves on offering a dealership service at a fraction of the cost. So next time you are looking for a service, repair or MOT for your Volvo or Toyota in Farnborough, Hampshire give us a call, we think you will be pleasantly surprised. Happy Safe Motoring!