How to Drive Safely When Fog Reduces Visibility
Last reviewed: 2026 · Driviology Road Safety Education Team
Quick Answer
Driving safely in fog means slowing down, using low-beam headlights or fog lights rather than high beams, increasing following distance, and being ready to pull over safely if visibility becomes too poor to continue.
Fog is one of the more dangerous common weather conditions because it can reduce visibility to just a few metres with little warning.
Light Use in Fog
Low-beam headlights or dedicated fog lights cut through fog better than high beams, which tend to reflect back and worsen visibility - the same principle behind knowing when to dip your lights for other drivers.
Speed and Following Distance
Slowing down and increasing following distance both give more time to react to a hazard that only becomes visible at close range.
When to Pull Over
If visibility becomes too poor to see the road ahead safely, pulling well off the road in a safe location is a reasonable choice rather than continuing to drive.