Take care driving in foggy conditions
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) advises drivers in foggy conditions to significantly reduce speed, switch on low-beam headlights or fog lights, and increase the gap to the vehicle in front.
High-beam lights should never be used as they reflect off moisture and reduce visibility further.
Review these essential TfNSW safety practices for navigating safely through thick fog:
- Turn on Your Lights: Use your low-beam headlights so other drivers can see you. If visibility is seriously reduced (under 100 metres), turn on your vehicle’s fog lights. Make sure to turn them off when conditions improve to avoid dazzling other drivers – it is also illegal to use fog lights when not foggy.
- Slow Down: Reduce your speed to ensure you can stop safely within the distance you can actually see.
- Increase Following Distance: Leave a larger gap between you and the vehicle ahead to allow for sudden stops. Standard safe distances should be doubled in adverse weather.
- Avoid Sudden Movements: Brake gently and early to prevent skidding or causing a multi-vehicle collision.
- Keep Windshields Clear: Use your wipers and vehicle defrosters to keep your view of the road as clear as possible.
- Pull Over if Necessary: If visibility becomes dangerously low, pull over safely, turn on your hazard lights, and wait for conditions to improve.