GOOD MOTORING
The way ahead in fog
H. Kishie Singh

Now that winter is here in earnest, there are a couple of things that need the motorist’s attention. Fog and static electricity will create some problems for the motorist. Though fog will be an occasional problem, static electricity is an ever-present danger.

There is synthetic material in the upholstery of your car. You also could be wearing a synthetic fabric. The friction caused as you get out of the car generates some static electricity. As you get out of the car and close the door, you will hear a slight click. You have acted as the conductor to earth the accumulated charge. At night, you may even see a small spark jump from your body to the metal body of the car.

According to experts, a static charge is capable of causing major fires and blasts. This could be a real danger while refuelling, especially if the petrol station is dispensing fuel to a number of cars at the same time. During winter, the petrol vapours do not dissipate fast enough, which means there could be petrol fumes in the air around you. A spark could ignite the vapour. A dangerous situation.

To prevent this, if you attach a wire or metal chain to the body of the car and let it hang down till it touches the ground, you would have effectively "earthed" the car. It will prevent you from getting a shock and there will be no spark to ignite the vapours. It is a tremendous safety device and you should give it some thought.

It will be common to have fog disrupting traffic during the winter months. Fog creates one of the most difficult and dangerous driving conditions. Visibility can be reduced to a few metres. If you haven’t made any preparations for driving in fog and mist, reduce the speed. This will immediately reduce the risk of collision or any other problems.

A rule of the road is that you should be able to stop within the distance you see clearly. If you can see clearly, for only 20 metres, you should crawl along in low gear. This will mean that you won’t have to brake hard, and will thus avoid rear-end collisions. Keep your lights on low beam. The white light from your headlights cannot penetrate the fog, which is caused by water vapour suspended in the air. Instead of being of any help, the high-beam light bounces back from the fog and blinds the driver, further hindering visibility.

A lot of car owners opt for extra lights on their cars. They can be seen driving around Chandigarh with four lights, the extra spot lights plus headlights on high beam. This is not necessary. If you need extra lights on your car, fit fog lamps. And, keep in mind, the fog lamps should be fitted below the bumper. They are the most effective at this height and they should be yellow. Yellow colour has a favourable wavelength to cut through fog and improve visibility.

A very inexpensive way to prepare yourself for fog is to paste transparent yellow paper across your headlights. It is easily available at any stationery store or halwai shop. It is a great help.

In the cold weather, the windows of your car are also likely to mist up on the inside. Almost every car these days has a heater-defroster for the front windscreen and the rear has a heated window. Learn to use these properly. They are of immense help in improving visibility, plus keeping the car interior warm and comfortable. Comfort is a great help in safe driving.

No amount of theoretical knowledge can prepare you for the actual driving in fog. Experience is a great teacher. However, being prepared for the experience shall be a great help.

Happy motoring.

This feature was published on January 8, 2004