Drivers told to be aware of fog this winter

Fog is set to descend on the nation this month, making driving unnervingly dangerous.

With the Met Office predicting fog on British roads throughout November, insurer RIAS is warning drivers to take care on the roads.

To assist drivers RIAS is offering the following advice:

• Keep a safe distance from the car in front and use dipped headlights so other drivers can see you.

• Use windscreen wipers and demisters to help you to see what is in front of you.

• Make sure you know where your front and rear fog lights are - and use them in severe fog.

• Never hang on to someone else's tail lights. This can give a false sense of security and is dangerous - especially if the car in front has to perform an emergency stop.

• Keep to an even speed - don't speed up suddenly, even if the fog seems to be clearing. You can suddenly find yourself back in thick fog.

• At a junction, stop, wind down the window and listen for traffic.

• Take a mobile phone with you for emergencies. However, never use it while driving.

"Despite possible mild weather conditions this winter, drivers still need to be aware that driving in foggy conditions, particularly at night, can carry its own risks," commented Janet Connor, managing director of RIAS.

"When severe weather hits - such as snow or wind and rain storms, we are far more likely to stay off the road but we also urge drivers to take stock and be prepared for these other conditions too.

"Driving in busy traffic on a clear day is challenging enough, but you should be extra careful when driving in fog as visibility can seriously deteriorate in a matter of minutes - or metres."