When it gets misty in Cape Town, it can be dangerous on the roads. This is what MasterDrive says you need to do when driving in misty conditions:
- If weather reports are warning about misty and dangerous conditions, take an alternate route if possible.
- Ensure your windows are always clean on the inside and out as dirty windows reduce visibility.
- Do not put your lights on bright. Light reflects off the mist making it even more difficult to see.
- Rather use your regular headlights or the fog lights.
- Avoid using your emergency lights unnecessarily as they are often more distracting to other drivers.
- Avoid replacing your fog lights with ones that have a blue hue, it reduces visibility in fog.
- Adjust your speed for the conditions and drive more slowly.
- Keep a larger following distance between yourself and the car in front.
- Open your window. You will hear what is going on outside which will aid your reactions. It also speeds up demisting.
- You should always use the sides of the road as a guide to avoid cars which may be too close to the centre line or whose headlights might be distracting.
- Check if your windscreen wipers or demister can increase your visibility.
- Avoid sudden lane changes or erratic driving.
- Avoid aggressive driving. Remain patient and calm.
- Do not pull over unless you can get well off the road. Drivers may not see that you are stationary.
- If the fog becomes extremely thick do not stop in the middle of the road, find a safe place to pull over.
- Keep an extra eye out for drivers that may not have any lights on.
- Signal early and start braking well before time.
- Avoid any form of distracted driving
If you would like to find out more about defensive driving, give MasterDrive a call on 086 110 0618 or visit their website at www.masterdrive.co.za
