Driving in Poor Conditions

There are situations when driving becomes a difficult task, which results in encountering poor/special conditions. These include driving at night, driving in rain, harmattan haze, misty/ foggy weather, etc. Even when driving under poor conditions, the driver is still responsible for keeping full control of the vehicle at all times. Most poor driving conditions result in reduced visibility, which may necessitate the driver in switching on their headlights, which can significantly reduce the chances of an accident because your vehicle is easier to see. When driving under poor condition, other recommended practices to keep safe on the road include: or taillights. The headlights may be on a vehicle being driven down the centre of the road, and the taillights may be a vehicle stopped on the road or just barely moving.

hazard lights on. This will make you more visible and warn other drivers that you are travelling at a reduced rate of speed.

- ibility becomes so poor that you can barely see, cautiously pull off and stop. Wait until visibility improves before. Some of the poor driving conditions we encounter are explained below:

Driving at Night

condition and devoid of potholes, driving at night can be easier than driving in daylight, for instance, there might often be less traffic at night and you can usually see approaching headlights early. dangerous than driving during the day because you cannot see as far. When driving at night, there are a lot of things that you cannot see, for example cyclists, pedestrians, animals and so on, which will result in driving more slowly and you should remember that you must be able to stop safely well within the clear approaching headlights at night, slow down and stop your car.. Many cars have ‘dipping mirrors’ (anti-dazzle device) to reduce glare from following headlights. Avoid dazzling drivers in front by keeping well back. When driving at night, allow plenty of fresh air in your vehicle to avoid drowsiness, if you feel tired, stop and take a break. To minimize the hazards of night driving, ensure that you do the following: reveal objects ahead without dazzling oncoming drivers. will remain adapted to the dark. the side of the road.

hazard lights.

to see and read at night. - screen clean.

Fog

Fog is caused by droplets of moisture in the air. At its worst you can barely see the bonnet of your car. to drive. Always use dipped headlights (or front fog lights) and high-intensity rear lights when visibility is seriously reduced. Never ‘hang on’ to the tail lights of another vehicle in fog as this would reduce your available stopping distance in an emergency.

if you must drive in fog, you need to take the following precautions: