It is common knowledge that fog is a collection of tiny water droplets floating in the air above the ground; it's sometimes described as clouds touching the ground. Seen from another angle, dense fog is a challenge for drivers in the months of November, December, and January. Foggy conditions can cloud the vision and distort perception for up to one kilometre on highways. Since they can cause dangerous road accidents, drivers need to be alert while negotiating them on busy national highways. Parked vehicles being dashed from the rear are increasingly becoming common. It is incumbent upon the drivers of the vehicles that have been parked by the roadside on highways to be more responsible. Checking the functioning of headlights, right and left indicators in general, and parking indicators in particular, cannot be overstressed.
Indicators should always be displayed while parking the vehicles by the side of the road and when the vehicles are pulled to one side in conditions of fog. The use of fog lamps and low-beam lights is a must in thick fog that considerably reduces visibility. Additionally, every driver has the onerous responsibility of keeping vehicle tyres in perfect condition to navigate obstacles. Windshields, as well as side mirrors, have to be haze-free. Slow driving with an eye on the speedometer can reduce accidents because fog can create the illusion among drivers that they are driving slowly. In severe fog, it's not a bad idea at all to anticipate the bad weather and desist from driving until the fog clears.
Dr Ganapathi Bhat
Akola