Stay Safe on the Roads: Essential Tips for Driving and Riding in Late Autumn Weather

As autumn fully settles in, the air grows colder, and foggy mornings become a regular occurrence. Navigating through this misty weather can be challenging, but with some preparation, you can ensure both your safety and comfort. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or commuting to work, being ready for the occasional foggy conditions of late autumn is crucial. Here are some tips to help you stay prepared and enjoy this season:

• Give your car windows a good clean inside and out, including the section beneath the windscreen wipers. Dust, tar, tree sap and grime build up fast, particularly at this time of year.

• Keep your windscreen washer topped up with screen wash to rinse off any debris while you are driving; dirty windows tend to mist up quickly, making it more difficult to see.

• Motorcycle riders, check your helmet visor and make sure it is in good condition. Treat your visor with an anti-mist treatment or use visor inserts to keep your visor optically clear as the weather turns colder.

• Car drivers, remember to switch on your dipped headlights and don’t rely on them switching on automatically. If visibility is less than 100 metres, consider using fog lights, but remember to turn them off once visibility improves.

• Always drive or ride so you can stop in the distance you can see clearly, remaining on your side of the road. Patches of fog will not always be of the same density and may get thicker again, so always be prepared to slow down.

• At junctions, stop and listen to get as much extra information as possible about oncoming vehicles, but remember that thick fog can deaden sound and make judging speed even more difficult.

• A combination of fog and darkness can make it extremely difficult to see. Keep an eye out for other vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, particularly on side roads and other areas of poor visibility.

IAM RoadSmart’s Regional Service Delivery Team Manager for the South, Shaun Cronin, said: “If you breakdown when visibility is poor ensure both you and your vehicle are easily noticeable to other drivers and riders. Use hazard warning lights and consider keeping your headlights switched on. Wear a high-visibility jacket to make it easier for other vehicles to see you while you wait for help. If the weather conditions are extremely bad, simply avoid starting your journey at all.”