With dense fog covering roads and highways, reports of accidents and pile-ups of cars on highways have already started terrorizing commuters. While people driving cars still have ADAS features to protect them, riding a motorcycle in foggy weather demands heightened caution, as low visibility increases risks for two-wheeler users on Indian roads. Dense winter fog, common in North India during December, reduces reaction times and increases collision chances. To avoid the risk of accidents, here are a few tips that might help.
Pre-Ride Preparations
Begin with a thorough bike check: Clean the headlights, taillights, and reflectors to ensure maximum illumination. Verify the brakes, tires, and suspension are in good condition. Wear high-visibility gear, such as reflective jackets, gloves, and a full-face helmet with an anti-fog visor treatment to enhance visibility and maintain clear sightlines. Make sure to fuel up fully and choose familiar routes to minimize surprises in areas with low visibility.
Also Read: Driving In Dense Fog? Follow These Tips To Keep you Safe
On-Road Riding Techniques
When riding in thick fog, maintain a slow speed of 20-30 km/h to allow for ample braking distance. Avoid using high beams, as they can reflect off the fog and further blind you; instead, stick to low beams or fog lights. Maintain your lane position by using road edges or curbside markings, and increase your following distance to 5-7 seconds from the vehicle ahead. Use hazard lights intermittently, signal early with your indicators and horn, and avoid overtaking or changing lanes abruptly.
Visibility and Awareness Boosters
Position yourself in the lane with the slowest traffic flow, and scan far ahead for hazards such as potholes or pedestrians. Avoid distractions like music or phones while riding. Lightly tap your rear brake to flash your brake lights, alerting following vehicles. Also, keep an eye on your mirrors for tailgaters. In extreme fog conditions, pull over safely off the road, activate your hazard lights, and wait for visibility to improve rather than continuing to ride.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
Riders often make the mistake of speeding up when the fog begins to thin or tailgating trucks, which can lead to pile-ups on highways such as the Delhi-Meerut. Overconfidence in riding skills can ignore the fog's disorienting effect on depth perception. Therefore, practicing caution in such conditions is essential.