1st December 2008

According to the Met Office, this winter is going to be colder than last throughout the whole of the British Isles and this means that motorists are going face some tough driving conditions. A particular threat will be one of the most treacherous hazards known to drivers: fog. Over 50s insurer RIAS is urging all road users to be aware of the perils.

In the UK, November, December and January are most prone to the formation of fog, and the perfect conditions for it are light winds, low temperatures, clear skies and long nights – just the type of weather the Met Office is predicting. Fog presents a problem because it can seriously impair visibility, but it also brings with it various other unpredictable characteristics that drivers have to contend with: fog can be random and patchy, widespread or localised, form quickly and linger for long periods or drift rapidly. Also freezing fog, made of water droplets with a temperature below 32°F that freeze upon impact with cold surfaces, forms a potentially dangerous icy glaze to road surfaces which can cause drivers to skid.

 

Warnings of dense fog are issued when visibility is expected to fall below 200 metres. Severe disruption to transport occurs when the visibility falls below 50 metres. RIAS is offering the following tips for motorists driving in reduced visibility:

· Avoid travel if possible

· Keep a safe distance from the car in front and use dipped headlights so other drivers can see you (full headlights can produce a ‘white wall effect’ in the road in front of you)

· Use windscreen wipers and demisters to help you to see what is in front of you

· Make sure you know where your front and rear fog lights are - and use them in severe fog

· Never hang on to someone else's tail lights. This can give a false sense of security and is dangerous - especially if the car in front has to perform an emergency stop

· Keep to an even speed – don’t speed up suddenly, even if the fog seems to be clearing. You can suddenly find yourself back in thick fog

· Watch your speed – fog can give the impression of slow motion in oncoming traffic

· At a junction, stop, wind down the window and listen for traffic.

· Take a mobile phone with you for emergencies. However, never use it whilst driving.

 

Janet Connor, Managing Director of RIAS, comments: “Drivers need to be aware that driving in winter, especially in foggy conditions, carries increased risks. When weather is particularly severe it’s a good idea to stay off the roads altogether, but if travel is unavoidable at these times, we urge drivers to take stock and always be prepared. "
 

Janet Connor, Managing Director of RIAS is available for further comment and interview. To arrange an interview with, or photography of, Janet, please call Sadie Sheppard on 01202 254489 or e-mail ssheppard@rias.co.uk