Monday, March 01, 2004

DRIVING IN FOG
Remember to keep your distance!

(North Bay, On)
Driving in heavy fog is like driving with a blindfold on. No matter how important the trip is, it's not worth gambling your life. By far the safest thing to do if you run into fog is to move well off to the side of the road and wait for the fog to lift. Sometimes this is not possible. As the days approach spring, drivers will encounter fog. The North Bay OPP would like to offer some tips that might help you drive safe in fog:

• Keep a safe distance. Try to be about three seconds from the vehicle in front of you in ideal conditions; with the decreased visibility fog causes, this interval should be increased substantially.

• Keep an eye on your speedometer and maintain a slow, constant speed. Most fog-related traffic fatalities occur because someone was driving too fast and
couldn't stop in time to avoid a collision.

• Make sure that you can be seen. Turn on your headlights and use low beams. High beams direct light up into the fog making it difficult for you to see. Low beams direct light down onto the road and help other drivers to see you. Fog lights help too (if you have them), make sure they are on.

• If you leave the road, be sure to pull off completely. Turn off your driving lights and turn on your flashers so others know you're there but won't think you are driving on the road.

• Always use your defroster and windscreen wipers in foggy conditions to keep the windows clear.

• Remember that other drivers have a limited sight distance and that fog can leave roadways slick. Signal early, and when you use your brakes, don't stomp on them.