Life-saving tips and suggestions for low-visibility, accident-prone winter driving: Quick guide

As the winter season settles in, motorists in India often find them dealing with a major challenge - fog-induced low-visibility on roads. Often, several vehicles crash into each other as the visibility drops to sub-30 metre mark in some regions. Hence, it becomes very crucial to be well-prepared when you set out for a drive in these conditions as the situation demands extra caution at all times.Here, we quickly look at some key life-saving tips and suggestions to prepare you for your next drive in foggy conditions.
Use lights appropriately
It is very important to keep your headlights on low beam to improve visibility as high beams can scatter light and make it even harder to see in fog. If your vehicle is equipped with fog lights, use them as fog lights are designed to light up the road close to the ground, thereby improving visibility in such conditions. Additionally, make sure your tail lights are on to enhance visibility for vehicles behind you.
Slow down and maintain enough distance
When driving in foggy conditions, it is crucial to reduce your speed. Slowing down a bit will provide more reaction time in case you need to make a sudden stop. Additionally, increasing the following distance between your vehicle and the one in front will also provide you more buffer time to make timely, life-saving decisions.

Follow road markings
Stick to the lane markings on the road. They serve as a guide and help you stay within your lane, especially when visibility is compromised. However, you should always keep an eye on the road and be prepared for unexpected obstacles or changes in traffic flow.
Use defrosters and windshield wipers
Keep your windshield clear by using defrosters and windshield wipers. A foggy or wet windshield further reduces visibility and increases the risk of accidents.
Pull over if necessary
If the fog becomes too dense to drive safely, find a safe place to pull over and wait until conditions improve. Avoid stopping on the road itself, as this can pose a hazard to other drivers. Also, make sure you keep the parking lights on when choosing to stop.
Stay informed
Check weather forecasts before starting your journey. If fog is anticipated, plan accordingly, and consider delaying your trip if conditions are expected to be severe. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Be cautious at intersections
Always approach intersections with caution as visibility may be severely limited, and cross traffic may be harder to see. Look in all directions and proceed only when it is safe.
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