Keep a clear head driving, when all around you there is fog

With the Met Office predicting a high risk of fog over the British Isles throughout much of November, over 50s insurer RIAS is urging drivers to be aware of the perils from one of the most dangerous driving hazards on the roads.

High-pressure systems mean that fog is more likely to be present this autumn. With this in mind, RIAS is offering the following tips when driving in reduced visibility:

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 whilst driving.

It is also important to remember not to over-use your fog lights. The law, as presented by The Highway Code, states that you must only use fog lights when visibility is seriously reduced - generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres or the length of a football pitch - and that they must be switched off once visibility improves.

Janet Connor, managing director of RIAS, comments: "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. 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."