Home / Editor's Pick /

Safety tips: Driving in fog

08:00
11 December 2022

Safety tips
Driving in fog

fog

Fog can develop anywhere in the UK and Ireland and there are 6 types: radiation, advection, evaporation, valley, upslope and freezing fog.

The most common type of fog is radiation fog. It forms at night and dawn when there is no incoming radiation from the sun, so the air cools to the dew point under clear skies. If the ground is moist, it is easier for the fog to form near the surface becoming denser.

Fog can really obstruct visibility, making driving particularly dangerous. Check out our tips below to consider if you are driving in foggy conditions.

  • Use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres.
  • Reduce your speed.
  • Use wipers and demisters.
  • Beware of other drivers not using headlights.
  • Check your mirrors before you slow down, then use your brakes so that your brake lights warn drivers behind you that you are slowing down.
  • Increase your distance from cars in front of you. Rear lights can give a false sense of security.
  • Beware of animals on the roads.

However, don't use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced, as they dazzle other road users and can obscure your brake lights.

Weather & Radar editorial team
More on the topic
weather radar webcam bjornfjell
Tuesday 23 September 2025

Snow and light frost

Northern Scandinavia already dressed for winter
The weather map shows a cold front stretching from France to Scandinavia, with lower temperatures in the west. Eastern and southern Europe will remain very hot, with temperatures reaching up to 30 degrees.
Friday 19 September 2025

Weekend weather

Large temperature contrasts in Europe
Stonehenge at sunset
Monday 22 September 2025

September equinox

It is officially (astronomical) autumn!
All weather news
This might also interest you
Wednesday 27 August 2025

Breakfast brief

Frontal system brings heavy rain
Split weather map showing the UK and Ireland. The left side illustrates strong winds circulating around a low-pressure system, with gusts of 20–30 mph highlighted in orange and yellow. The right side shows radar imagery with widespread blue rain bands and patches of thunderstorms, especially over northern England and Scotland.
Thursday 28 August 2025

Breakfast brief

Remaining widely unsettled
Friday 15 August 2025

Breakfast brief

Split with cooler north, hot south
All articles
Weather & Radar

www.weatherandradar.ie

facebooktwitteryouTubeContact uslinkList
Privacy Policy | Legal info | Accessibility statement