The winter months can bring about a range of uncommon driving conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, and fog. Due to these conditions occurring only occasionally, it can be easy to forget the safest way to drive during these periods.
Experts have shared an important reminder to not use a common vehicle feature when fog is present as it may lead to serious collisions. Car collision repairs expert at JTAPE, Chris Jevons, is urging drivers to disable cruise control when driving in low-visibility conditions.
Many drivers remain unaware of the risks, but using cruise control in foggy conditions can significantly reduce your ability to react to sudden changes on the road. Not only increasing the likelihood of a crash but possibly resulting in fines or penalties for careless driving as well.
Jevons explains: “Cruise control is designed for steady driving on clear, predictable roads, but in foggy conditions, it can become a significant hazard. In fog, visibility is often reduced to mere metres, and road conditions can change unexpectedly, whether it’s an obstacle, a sudden turn, or another vehicle appearing out of nowhere.
“Cruise control limits a driver’s ability to react quickly to these situations, as it maintains a constant speed regardless of the changing environment. This creates a dangerous lag in response time.
“Cruise control can also lull drivers into a false sense of security, reducing their attentiveness, which is a critical error when navigating low-visibility conditions. On slippery or wet surfaces often associated with foggy weather, cruise control may fail to adapt, increasing the likelihood of skidding or losing control if sudden braking is required. For everyone’s safety, drivers must stay fully engaged and in control of their vehicle, keeping cruise control firmly switched off until conditions improve.
“Drivers should also be aware that using cruise control in inappropriate conditions could result in penalties under laws against careless or reckless driving. Authorities caution that this negligence could lead to fines, points on their licence, or even prosecution in the event of an accident. For everyone’s safety, drivers must stay fully engaged and in control of their vehicle, keeping cruise control firmly switched off until conditions improve.”
Instead, if driving in foggy or low visibility conditions, you should follow relevant safety guidance. For example ensure cruise control is turned off “as soon as visibility drops below 100 metres or when weather conditions deteriorate.”
Additionally you should reduce your speed to match the conditions and ensure “you can always stop within the distance you can see.”
Jevons states the most important factor is to “stay focused by keeping your hands firmly on the wheel and your attention fully on the road at all times.”
By knowing and following these effective measures, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with driving in low-visibility conditions, helping keep you and others on the road safe.