Safe Driving in Moorland Fog

Fog or low cloud can make for hazardous driving conditions on the high North York Moors at this time of year.

Driving across the foggy upland Moors requires road users to follow a few simple rules.

Being patient, sensible and cautious is without doubt the best policy.

And these additional tips will help you to stay safe in foggy conditions.

Firstly, challenge the trip.

Is your journey really necessary?

If not, stay home, and wait for driving conditions to improve.

Secondly, check your headlights and tailights; make sure they're all working and then use them correctly.

Drive with headlights on low-beam.

If you have automatic headlamps, make sure they're on the low beam setting.

Don't drive with high-beam because the light will simply reflect off the fog back at you; actually reducing your visibility.

Thirdly, if the fog is particularly thick on the Moor tops, turn on your rear fog light.

The rear fog light will only work with the low-beam headlights on; so make sure you do that first.

If your car is fitted with additional fog lights on the front, the low and wide beam that is thrown off by the lights may help you see the edge of the road; so turn those on as well.

But don't forget to turn off the front and rear fog lamps as the fog clears; typically as you drop down in to the Dales from the higher Moorland roads.

Fourthly, set your heater or air-con unit to de-mist to clear any internal condensation inside the vehicle.

You should also turn on your heated rear window; and if fitted, your vehicle may also have a heated front windscreen.

Fifthly, leave enough space between your car and the car in front for you to stop if the car in front of you stops or breaks suddenly.

And if another car is following you too closely, concentrate on your own driving and pull over to let them pass if it is safe to do so.

Finally, remember to always be on the look out for Moorland sheep which will often choose the road as place to sit down; and also watch out for hikers who may be out and about on the high Moors in all weathers.