Do people keep flashing their high beams at you when you are driving in the fog during the day? Had your headlight alignment checked six times and they still flash you! Wondering what's happening?
On some newer vehicles, the headlights automatically turn on at night, but not in the fog. When you are driving in the fog, there is enough light to see, but not enough to activate the sensor for your headlights. Remember to turn on your headlights before you start driving in the fog . . . and remember to turn them off too. You are not using your headlights to see, but to be seen by uncoming drivers.
It is best not to drive in fog. If you must, slow down, turn on your low beam headlights, and be ready for a fast stop. Use windshield wipers in heavy fog. If the fog becomes so thick that you cannot see well enough to keep driving, pull all the way off the pavement and stop.
With the holiday driving season rapidly approaching, here are a few things to remember about defensive driving:
1. Always maintain good vision ahead and around your vehicle.
2. Stay alert and be prepared to react to the unexpected.
3. Drive at a safe speed and know when to slow down and stop.
4. Always wear your safety belt.
5. Anticipate mistakes or unsafe maneuvers of the other drivers.
6. Keep your eyes moving.
7. Watch for the reverse lights of any vehicle ahead of you.
8. Pay close attention to crosswalks and when driving in the vicinity of playgrounds, schoolyards, and shopping center parking lots.
9. Be cautious of bicyclists or children playing near the roadway.
10. Do not drive if you have been drinking, are on medication, or are very tired.
11. Keep your vehicle in good working order.
12. Obey the rules of the road.
13. Use your horn to warn pedestrians or other drivers of trouble or to avoid accidents.
14. Use headlights in rain, snow, fog, evening, or early morning.
15. Allow extra space between 18-wheelers, motorcycles, or bicycles and your vehicle.
16. If a tailgater is following you, move to another lane if possible or pull to the side of the road and let the tailgater pass you.
17. Never engage in drag racing or drive on a bet or wager.
18. Do not drive in another driver's blind spot.
19. Do not weave in and out of traffic.
20. Avoid "highway hypnosis."
21. Be aware of construction or speed reduction signs.
22. If you plan to drive a long distance, stop and stretch after every two hours.