Driving feels like second nature to most people. But when your visibility is reduced, it’s important to adjust your behavior behind the wheel.
Reduced visibility can happen for a few different reasons. Darkness, rain, snow, fog, smoke, or glare from bright sunlight – all of them will make it more difficult for you to see your surroundings and the hazards around you.
When you need to drive in low visibility conditions, there are a few things you can do to make sure you reach your destination safe and sound.
Be On Guard
Defensive driving is always a good idea. But when visibility is limited, you have to be extra vigilant.
Remember, if you can’t see the road or the traffic all that well, neither can the other drivers around you. You can’t rely on them seeing you, so keep an eye out for other vehicles at all times.
If possible, love more distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you. This will give you more time to react and avoid a collision.
Don’t Rush to Your Destination
Drive more slowly than you typically would. This will give you ample time to react when you see potential dangers.
Cars, people, and objects can seem to appear suddenly when you can’t see too clearly. Keeping a moderate speed will give you far more time to react when dangers come into view.
Brake Slowly
If you can’t see too well, neither can other drivers. That means you’ll need to give the drivers behind you enough time to come to a complete stop when you’re braking.
Slow to a stop when you can and avoid hitting the brakes too suddenly. This will significantly reduce the risk of being on the receiving end of a rear-end collision.
Keep Your Windshield Clear
Use the defroster, wipers, and windshield washer as often as you need to. Now isn’t the time to be stingy with any of them – you need all the visibility you can get.
If your windshield starts to fog or frost, hit it with everything you’ve got.
And remember, it might be called a defroster, but it’s not just for ice. The blast of hot air can help clear up fogging, too.
Don’t Pass Cars or Change Lanes
Driving with reduced visibility is risky enough as it is. Don’t making it worse by taking unnecessary risks.
That means staying in your lane as much you can, and not passing other vehicles. It might be tempting because people will be going more slowly than usual, but it’s not worth it.
Turn on the Low Beams
Many people instinctively switch on the high beams when they can’t see well. That works in the dark, but not during the daytime. In fact, bright lights can bounce off fog and make it even harder for you to see ahead.
Switch on the low beams instead. They’ll help you cut through the fog and see more clearly.
Use Your Ears
Mute the music, turn off the podcast, and don’t take any calls while driving in low visibility conditions.
Yes, it will make the drive more boring. But when you can’t see with full clarity, you need to keep an ear out for other vehicles, car horns, and what’s going on around you.
Keep Sunglasses in Your Vehicle
Glare can be extremely difficult to tolerate, making it hard to keep your eyes on the road. Even if you do manage, you won’t be able to see as well as you should.
Having sunglasses on hand will help you manage the glare and keep your eyes on the road.