Fog to thicken - 10 tips to stay safe on the roads

Date:2nd November 2015. Picture James Hardisty. Pictured Dense fog affecting driving conditions around West and North Yorkshire.

Disruption has been caused on roads and motorways, as visibility has been reduced to 100m or less in some parts of the region.

Some airports have even had to cancel flights.

A Met Office spokesman said: “A stagnant and moist airmass remains in place across much of the UK.

“Fog has persisted through Monday across many areas, and visibility is likely to reduce on Monday evening, often below 100 metres.”

The Met Office said the fog is likely to thicken this evening (Monday) and become dense in places. Much of this will persist overnight and last well into Tuesday morning.

Some minor disruption to travel is likely with poor visibility leading to difficult driving conditions on some roads.

Motoring association, AA, are warning people to be ‘better safe than sorry’ and make sure they use their fog lights appropriately.

The AA put the following tips on their website for people driving in foggy conditions:

1. Use dipped headlights at all times along with wipers and demisters.

2. Familiarise yourself with your front and rear fog lights – know how to switch them on and off – and use them when appropriate.

3. Beware of other drivers not using headlights.

4. Only drive as fast as conditions allow and maintain a greater distance between you and the car in front. Follow a three-second rule.

5. Tailing someone’s rear lights can give a false sense of security and is dangerous.

6. If the road has street lights on, then you probably don’t need your fog lights on.

7. Be able to stop within the distance you can see clearly – this is particularly important on motorways and dual carriageways, as vehicles are travelling faster.

8. Don’t accelerate to get away from a vehicle that is too close behind you.

9. Check your mirrors before you slow down.

10. At a junction with limited visibility, stop, wind down the window, and listen for traffic. When you are sure it is safe to emerge, do so positively and do not hesitate in a position that puts you directly in the path of approaching vehicles.