Fog lights are usually fitted to the top-of-the-range cars. South African drivers may need to know how to operate them should they encounter fog, since it is common in some parts of South Africa.
Improved car headlights
Some recent models are no longer equipped with fog lights but with very bright headlights called LED daytime running lights or DRLs. Their use is not to light the way through the fog but more to let other motorists know of the car’s presence.
How do you operate fog lights?
Some vehicles have a switch for the fog lights whilst others have a separate switch for the front and rear lights.
How can you tell the fog lights are on?
A symbol will light up on the dashboard telling you the fog lights are on. Usually, the front fog lights point in the same direction as the headlights, whilst the rear fog lights point in the opposite direction.
When to use fog lights
You may need to use your fog lights when visibility has been seriously hampered. Some motorists switch on the fog lights as soon as they see a bit of mist. Only when there is heavy fog, snow or rain should they be used. Also, only use them if your headlights are not strong enough under prevailing weather conditions. A UK law states that fog lights should only be used if you can’t see further than 100 metres.
When should you not use fog lights?
Once the fog has dissipated, the motorist must remember to turn the fog lights off. The reason for this is that these bright lights may temporarily blind motorists approaching from the front and rear sides of the vehicle.
It’s easy to forget to turn off fog lights
You could have been travelling in foggy conditions but have now stopped for breakfast at a roadside café. Switched on fog lights turn off when the car is switched off but will go on again when the vehicle is switched on. So, it is possible that motorists can drive in clear weather with their car’s fog lights still on. It is important to check before driving off again if the fog lights are switched off if the weather has cleared.
In some countries leaving on fog lights is illegal
In some countries such as the UK, it is illegal to drive with front, and rear fog lights on when they are no longer required.
What is the real danger of leaving fog lights on?
The main issue of leaving fog lights switched on when no longer needed is that the brightness of rear fog lights overrides or masks the brake lights. Normally, the brake lights would light up when you decide to brake, warning following motorists to slow down. But, when rear fog lights are switched on, a motorist often won’t see that the car in front is braking. This could cause rear-end collisions. The dazzling effect of fog lights can also be enhanced through reflections on wet roads.
