Home / Editor's Pick /

Safety tips: Driving in fog

08:00
11 December 2022

Safety tips
Driving in fog

fog

Fog can develop anywhere in the UK and Ireland and there are 6 types: radiation, advection, evaporation, valley, upslope and freezing fog.

The most common type of fog is radiation fog. It forms at night and dawn when there is no incoming radiation from the sun, so the air cools to the dew point under clear skies. If the ground is moist, it is easier for the fog to form near the surface becoming denser.

Fog can really obstruct visibility, making driving particularly dangerous. Check out our tips below to consider if you are driving in foggy conditions.

  • Use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres.
  • Reduce your speed.
  • Use wipers and demisters.
  • Beware of other drivers not using headlights.
  • Check your mirrors before you slow down, then use your brakes so that your brake lights warn drivers behind you that you are slowing down.
  • Increase your distance from cars in front of you. Rear lights can give a false sense of security.
  • Beware of animals on the roads.

However, don't use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced, as they dazzle other road users and can obscure your brake lights.

Weather & Radar editorial team
More on the topic
People walk through muddy streets after heavy rain, alongside a rain map of Morocco.
Tuesday, 16 December 2025

New rainfall in sight

Fatalities in Moroccan floods
Split image showing a snowy Christmas market on the left and a UK weather map on the right with pink zones indicating widespread snowfall over Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, and Newcastle, plus white snow icons.
Monday, 8 December 2025

Everyone wants to know...

How likely is a White Christmas?
Weather map showing temperatures and a 4,542 mile route arrow over the Atlantic. Symbols indicate sun, clouds and precipitation from North America to Europe.
Wednesday, 17 December 2025

From Europe to America

Weather front over 4,500 miles long
All weather news
This might also interest you
Weather map of the UK and Ireland showing scattered showers with cloudy patches across much of the region, especially around western and northern areas. Sunshine symbols appear over London, Cardiff, and parts of southern England, while temperatures range from 17°C to 18°C in most places. Areas of heavier rain are visible over the Atlantic to the west.
Friday, 29 August 2025

Breakfast brief

Unsettled conditions into the weekend
Sunday, 24 August 2025

Your weather - Your shots

Mammatus clouds widely spotted
Wednesday, 27 August 2025

Breakfast brief

Frontal system brings heavy rain
All articles
Weather & Radar

Weather & Radar is also available on

Google Play StoreApp Store

Company

Contact us Privacy Policy Legal info Accessibility statement

Services

Uploader

Socials

facebooktwittertikToklinkList