29 - Driving in poor visibility

Aim

• To safely and legally drive in conditions of poor visibility, including at night and in adverse weather driving conditions.

Situation

• In a 50km/h zone with the following conditions, where available:

A.  at night
B.  in rain
C.  in fog
D.  in sunstrike/glare.

The driver should

A.  At night:

• • Make sure the windscreen is clean.
  • Switch headlights on early when visibility is poor.
  • Scan the road 12 seconds ahead. Extend your vision - find more information.
  • Dip headlights when required.
  • Maintain vehicle position to the left of the road.
  • Check mirrors and blind spots for hazards.
  • Switch the mirror to anti-dazzle mode if required/available.
  • Adjust driving to suit the road conditions and take account of reflectors and guide posts.

B.  In rain:

• • Make sure the windscreen is clean.
  • Turn vehicle headlights on if necessary.
  • Turn on windscreen wipers and demisters if required.
  • Adjust speed appropriate to conditions and increase following distance to at least four seconds.
  • Maintain vehicle position to the left of the road.

C.  In fog:

• • Make sure the windscreen is clean.
  • Turn vehicle headlights onto dip.
  • Turn on windscreen wipers and demisters if required.
  • Adjust speed appropriate to conditions and increase following distance to at least four seconds.
  • Check mirrors.

D.  In sunstrike/glare:

• • Make sure the windscreen is clean.
  • Use sun visor or sunglasses.
  • Adjust speed appropriate to conditions and increase following distance to at least four seconds.
  • Keep to the left of the road, or in the centre of the lane if on a multi-lane road.
  • Watch out for other vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.
  • If necessary and safe, pull over to the side of the road and wait until conditions improve.