Safety Tips for Riding Bike in Foggy Conditions

Posted on: Jan 31, 2022 | | Written by:

Safety Tips for Riding Bike in Foggy Conditions

Published on January 31, 2022. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

Riding a bike in winter has its unique charm. The combination of the cold breeze, warm jacket, and the sound of your engine roaring is an experience that every rider looks forward to.

However, the winter season also brings with it extreme conditions. These conditions include wet and slippery roads as well as foggy conditions. So how are you supposed to manoeuvre your bike in foggy conditions? The below-listed tips should help you. Read on.

Keep Distance: The first and important rule of riding in foggy conditions is to keep a decent distance between you and the vehicle in front. Foggy conditions feature low visibility, you would want to keep enough distance so that when you brake, you do not collide with the vehicle in front of you or the one behind you.

In other words, make sure that you are riding at a safe distance so that you have the provision of braking in case required.

Keep Visibility: As mentioned above, foggy conditions are characterised by low visibility. Therefore, whenever you are riding out, wear proper reflecting attire. You can also ensure that your headlights are switched on in case they are not by default as it is with modern bikes.

This will ensure that the vehicle that is on the road beside you can clearly see you from a distance. Doing so, you will significantly enhance your chances of not getting into a collision or any accident.

Low Speed: One of the gravest mistakes that riders make in foggy conditions is not lowering their speed. You must remember to lower speed as compared to usual conditions when riding in foggy conditions.

A limited speed will ensure that you have sufficient control over your motorcycle and can brake and accelerate in a rational manner. In case you are on the verge of buying a new bike, opt for bikes that have ABS. This will help you brake in a more effective manner.

Visor Cleanliness: During the winter season, riders generally have their visor lowered over their face. This protects them from the cold wind while they are riding.

Therefore, it is important that you keep your visor properly cleaned to ensure that you have full and clear visibility of the road ahead during foggy conditions. Additionally, you can ensure that your visor does not fog up by using anti-fog agents.

Brake Lights: One of the key components that add to the overall safety during foggy conditions are brake lights. These are turned on as soon as you press the brakes and give a signal to the vehicle behind you that you have slowed or stopped altogether.

You thus must make sure that your brake lights are functioning properly. You can test these at home by checking the lights whenever you put on the brakes. Furthermore, while riding you can also regularly tap your brake lights to make the vehicle behind you aware of your presence.

Fuel Tank: Whenever you are planning to hit the road, make sure that your tank is full or has a significant amount of petrol. In case you get stuck somewhere during foggy conditions, a petrol pump may not be easily visible and there are chances that you might miss it.

Ride on the Left: During foggy conditions, you need to drive slowly and keep a fair distance between you and the vehicle in the front and behind you. This can be achieved by driving on the left.

This will ensure that you are on the slower lane and following safety measures during conditions where visibility is extremely low.

Takeaway: Riding in foggy conditions is no easy task. It involves a significant amount of risk. As a rider, you must be extremely cautious and alert. You can do this by following the simple steps that have been mentioned. These include keeping a safe distance, ensuring complete and clear visibility, riding at low speed and on the left. You must also ensure that your brake lights are working and that you have sufficient fuel to cover your ride.

You also must ensure that you can conveniently renew two wheeler insurance before hitting the road. You can do this through HDFC ERGO.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

Safe Driving Saves Lives: ten best safety rules you should follow

‘Better Safe Than Sorry!’ – How a well-equipped safety kit can ensure a safe drive

Quick Guide-Insuring Safety for Long Bike Rides