Winters and the northern part of India have so much in common. Yes, it’s none other than the fog, which is highly prevalent and unfortunately results in accidental deaths due to lower visibility arising out of fog in winter. That remains a serious concern as the approaching Indian winters further necessitate the commuters to at least take due care about the issue of poor visibility from their end. Yes, the fog lights play an important role in warning the other commuters to maintain distance.
Besides the necessity that a fog light naturally brings, there are other considerations to imbibe:-
Ensure that your fog lights and indicators are in working mode
You are to commute early in the morning amidst chilly Indian winters where fog is the most obvious challenge you have to face. So before you head out, inspect your fog lights or indicators and be sure that they are in working condition. Since, due to moisture-laden winds, they may likely to create issues, and therefore, your responsibility as a dutiful driver becomes more. Fog lights don’t create a glare unlike headlights to ensure an easy and safe journey for others.
Drive slow
Fog lights will lose their significance if the driver doesn’t slow down. Yes, after all, as their blanket of fog spreads in the surroundings, the visibility is very poor. A responsible driver will reduce the speed, since it becomes next to impossible to see objects until coming very close.
In the prevailing fog and mist, the drivers get an optical illusion of maintaining a slow drive, but you know what? You need to refer to the speedometer every now and then to understand whether you are really driving at the recommended speed.
Continue to blow the horn during turns or changing lanes
There are many accidents that take place during turns or changing lanes. Since, both the drivers are taken aback to see each other’s car from close range. Now, if you honk right from before in a repeated manner, this will alert the other drivers even before they can see your car with their eyes.
Keep moving – Neither overtake nor change lanes
You may feel like stopping in the middle of the road with a halt when you can’t see things ahead. Well, that will be a blunder if you do that, since cars that are behind you, may ram into yours, leaving a serious and unwanted calamity. Hence, the suggested part is to look at the side of the road, to get away from the main road to ensure not just your safety but also for others. After all, changing lanes or overtaking will only panic either you or the other driver which is then likely to result in an accident.
Use a demister – Keep the windows and windscreen clean for maximum visibility
Driving in a foggy ambience will collect moisture in the windshield, due to the difference in the outside and inside temperature. This will make driving more difficult. Hence, use wipers to clear the moisture on the windshield to make your path less challenging while commuting in the fog. Hence, it is important to turn the heater on, to remove the possibility of condensation inside.
Be extremely alert while driving in fog
Accidents happen without warning, so your alertness is the key to a safe commute as your near and dear ones are waiting back home. Turn off the music since, it will anyhow create a distraction, as you have to concentrate on the honking sounds from behind, sides, or in front. Even the signboards may not be clearly visible, so you have to be equally mindful of where you have to turn, and at what intersection. It is for this reason that, don’t talk on mobile while driving.
Don’t drive in fog, if possible
It is always discouraged to commute on a foggy day when moving ahead brings a series of challenges of its own. There have been many accidents due to sudden halts where the car from behind has hit and sadly the subsequent cars continue to hit one another. This creates a trail of destruction where the loss of lives and property has become a common feature. So, avoid driving as much as you can possibly do.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of fog lights in the Indian context?
Fog lights are the best reflection of the safety mechanism that drivers adopt during foggy winters. Since fog lights illuminate the surface, these lights can pass through fog or mist as they are mounted below the headlights. They enhance visibility. Hence, the drivers find them to be extremely useful and necessary during such challenging times, where they have to commute safely anyhow.
What happens in the absence of fog lights?
It is not illegal to commute without fog lights. However, they have such an important function in creating a sense of confidence among drivers who can manage to spot others from a certain distance. Still, it is only your decision whether to use the headlights or not in foggy conditions.
When shouldn’t you use fog lights?
Fog lights are a must in foggy conditions or at times, during mist, dust, or rain. Since these conditions limit visibility. However, when the conditions improve where the visibility is clear, then keep them safe for the future. Hence, turn them off.
Conclusion
Finally, the aforesaid post has highlighted the importance of fog lights along with the factors to consider while driving in foggy winters. Even though a road that has a blanket of fog may be visually captivating, it is certainly not easy and enjoyable to drive. Simply, check the facial expressions of a responsible driver who is likely to be extremely cautious and careful while sitting in the erect position as a driver. He will of course has fog lights on, along with the heater, and continue to honk while taking turns or changing lanes on the highway. He will never panic in any situation. He knows that family members back home at waiting for him.