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.