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Met Éireann

 have issued a status fog – warning warning for Cork, which is valid from 00:08 Tuesday 12/11/2024 to 10:00 Tuesday 12/11/2024.

• Forecasters are warning that widespread mist and fog, thickening and becoming dense in places.

Potential Impacts:

• Poor Visibility
• Hazardous travelling conditions.

Issued/Updated:

00:08 Tuesday 12/11/2024
Valid: 00:08 Tuesday 12/11/2024 to 10:00 Tuesday 12/11/2024

Some tips for driving in fog:

Driving in fog presents unique challenges due to significantly reduced visibility, increasing the risk of accidents. To ensure safety on the roads during foggy conditions, consider the following ten tips:

1. Reduce Speed: Fog limits visibility, giving drivers less time to react to obstacles or sudden changes. Slowing down allows for better control and more time to respond to unforeseen situations.
2. Use Appropriate Lighting: Activate dipped beam headlights to improve visibility without causing glare. Avoid using high beams, as they can reflect off the fog and further reduce visibility. Utilise fog lights if your vehicle is equipped with them, but remember to switch them off when conditions improve to prevent dazzling other drivers.
3. Maintain a Safe Following Distance: Increase the gap between your vehicle and the one ahead to allow ample time for braking. A greater distance compensates for the reduced visibility and longer stopping distances on wet or slippery roads.
4. Avoid Sudden Movements: Make gradual and smooth steering, braking, and accelerating actions to maintain control and prevent skidding on potentially slick surfaces.
5. Use Road Markings as Guides: Focus on the white line on the left side of the road to help maintain your lane position and direction, especially when visibility is severely limited.
6. Keep Windows Clear: Utilise your vehicle’s defrosters and wipers to prevent condensation on windows, ensuring maximum visibility. Regularly clean both the interior and exterior of your windows to reduce glare and improve sightlines.
7. Avoid Using Cruise Control: In foggy conditions, it’s essential to have full control over your vehicle’s speed to respond promptly to changing situations. Manual control allows for immediate adjustments as needed.
8. Stay Alert and Minimise Distractions: Turn off the radio, limit conversations, and focus entirely on the road. Opening your window slightly can help you hear other vehicles, providing additional cues in low-visibility conditions.
9. Be Prepared to Stop: If visibility deteriorates to the point where it’s unsafe to continue, find a safe place to pull over, such as a designated parking area. Activate your hazard lights to alert other drivers of your presence.
10. Consider Delaying Your Journey: If possible, postpone travel until conditions improve. Fog often dissipates as temperatures rise, making travel safer later in the day.

By adhering to these guidelines, drivers can navigate foggy conditions more safely, reducing the likelihood of accidents and ensuring a safer journey for all road users.