How to drive in fog ?

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Fog represents a major challenge for French motorists, particularly during the winter period. While rain and snow often attract drivers' attention, fog remains an underestimated danger that nevertheless requires increased vigilance and specific driving techniques. Indeed, this mass of air saturated with water considerably reduces visibility and changes our perception of the environment. A dangerous cocktail that requires an immediate adaptation of our behavior behind the wheel.

The deceptive effects of fog on our perception

Fog does not just reduce our field of vision. It causes several optical effects that significantly disrupt our ability to assess distances and spot obstacles. The halo effect transforms light sources into blurred spheres that are difficult to interpret. Road signs and traffic lights become less distinct, making it difficult to read information that is essential to our safety.

Even more insidious, the extinction phenomenon literally makes certain elements of our environment disappear. A black vehicle without lights can thus become totally invisible, even at short distances. This alteration of perception considerably increases the time needed to identify and react to a potential danger.

Fog also changes our sensation of speed. Usual visual cues fade, creating a deceptive impression of slowing down. This illusion naturally pushes drivers to accelerate to regain their usual sensations. A dangerous reflex that explains many accidents.

Lighting, an essential element of driving in fog

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The proper use of the various lighting systems becomes essential in foggy weather. Dipped headlights are the essential basis for signaling your presence to other road users, even in broad daylight. Contrary to popular belief, high beams (or full beams) are counterproductive: their powerful beam reflects off the suspended droplets, creating a white wall that further reduces visibility.

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The front fog lights provide valuable additional lighting. Placed low on the vehicle, they cut through the fog more effectively and improve the visibility of road markings. Using them simultaneously with the dipped headlights optimizes the detection of nearby obstacles.

The rear fog lights deserve special attention. Their high intensity certainly allows you to be spotted from a distance, but can also dazzle drivers following. They should only be activated when visibility drops below 50 meters, and deactivated as soon as conditions improve or a vehicle approaches.

How to adapt your driving in fog ?

Reducing speed is the first and most important safety measure. The regulations impose a speed limit of 50 km/h when visibility falls below 50 meters. This restriction applies to the entire road network, including motorways. Beyond the legal aspect, this speed reduction allows us to maintain a stopping distance compatible with our reduced field of vision.

Maintaining a safe distance becomes crucial in fog. The temptation to follow the rear lights of the vehicle in front creates a dangerous vacuum effect. Drivers gradually move closer together, forming a train of vehicles that is particularly vulnerable to the slightest slowdown. It then becomes vital to resist this natural attraction by maintaining a sufficient distance otherwise a chain of multiple collisions may result.

Positioning on the road also requires special attention. Systematic use of the right-hand lane allows you to maintain a stable reference point with the side markings. Overtaking, which is particularly risky in reduced visibility, must be avoided. Caution also requires increased vigilance when approaching areas prone to fog and ideally avoiding them, such as fields, valleys, waterways and other wooded areas. Of course, the ideal is to postpone your non-essential journeys to a more suitable time, when the fog has lessened in intensity.

• Systematically reduce your speed and maintain increased safety distances
• Use your dipped headlights and fog lights appropriately according to the conditions
• Postpone your unnecessary journeys until better weather conditions

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