Let Fog Or Smog Not Bother You While Driving This winter! Stay Prepared, Stay Safe!
Winter months, especially in cities such as Delhi and surrounding areas are ripe for road accidents and mishaps due to deteriorating weather conditions bringing in fog and smog, exacerbated by poor road conditions and poor lighting. Fog and smog can lead to difficult and unsafe driving conditions with low visibility even within the city.
The following tips can help minimize mishaps caused due to driving into untoward situations at times of low visibility:
● Follow Local Weather Conditions. Fog is often a morning or evening weather phenomena. Follow the weather advisory on local television, radio and newspapers. If there is a fog warning, delay your trip until it clears. Drive only when it is necessary. Most drivers tend to bunch-up during foggy conditions because they feel it is easier to see. Do maintain a greater distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front.
● Check your vehicle: Cold weather can take a toll on the car battery. Get the battery and charging system checked for optimum performance. Ensure heater, defroster and wipers are in optimal working condition. Lights, oil and filter should be checked regularly. Always drive with enough fuel in the vehicle.
● Use headlights and fog Lights: When visibility is low, generally when you cannot see beyond 100 metres (328 feet) you must use headlights/ fog lights while driving. Switch them off when visibility improves. This applies equally to front and rear fog lights. Don’t keep switching them on and off though, as this can be a distraction. Use low beam lights while driving.
● Don’t be abrupt: Don’t change the lane, stop or turn too suddenly if you are unable to see clearly due to low visibility, as this can lead to sudden collision or accident. Give indicators and signals and maintain a reasonable pace of driving.
● Turn on your heating system to clear the fog: Fog outside will often cause condensation inside. Today’s cars are well equipped with good heating system, but it will only be as effective as the person operating it, so make sure you understand how your heater works – particularly the windscreen demisting function. This will help you save time in wiping off the mist/fog from inside.
● Stop, look, move: If the fog is too dense to continue driving, pull completely off the road and try to position your vehicle in a safe parking area. Turn on your emergency flashers, in addition to keeping on your low-beam headlights. Resume driving only when the visibility improves.
● Ask for help. Don’t be afraid to ask your passengers to help keep an eye out for oncoming cars and obstacles on the road. Turn-on your GPS system/Navigator incase you are lost.
● Get One Touch Response help: Download the One Touch Response mobile app and keep it handy. In case of any emergency, trained On Call and On Ground Assistance would be available to you within in minutes.
● Be self-sufficient: During fog, one may get stuck on the road for long hours, it is advisable to carry your essential medications, first aid kit, torch light, bottled water, dry food & snacks, wipes, mobile charger etc. Wear sufficient warm clothes/gears to remain healthy and protected.
