Final answer:
In heavy fog, drivers should slow down, maintain a safe following distance, use low beam headlights and fog lights, utilize windshield defrosters and wipers, and pull over if visibility is too poor. Caution is key, as fog severely reduces visibility.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best advice for drivers to follow when a heavy fog occurs is to proceed with extreme caution. In foggy conditions, visibility is significantly reduced, making it difficult to see other vehicles, pedestrians, and road hazards. Here are some key steps drivers should take:
- Slow down and ensure that you maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you.
- Use low beam headlights and fog lights if your car is equipped with them. High beams can reflect off the fog, causing glare and reducing visibility even further.
- Utilize your vehicle's defroster and wipers to keep the windshield clear of condensation and water.
- If the fog is too dense, consider pulling over and waiting for conditions to improve.
- Stay focused on the road and avoid distractions.
Remember that fog can make driving conditions similar to those encountered when it's extremely cloudy or smoggy, where visibility is compromised, and the use of radar instruments is often necessary. While drivers don't have radar, they must rely on their lights and attentive driving habits to navigate safely.