Driving skills syllabus
29 Driving in poor visibility
Aim
- To safely and legally drive in conditions of poor visibility, including at night and in adverse weather driving conditions.
Situation
- In a 50km/h zone with the following conditions, where available:
- at night
- in rain
- in fog
- in sunstrike/glare.
The driver should
- At night:
- Make sure the windscreen is clean.
- Switch headlights on early when visibility is poor.
- Scan the road 12 seconds ahead.
- Dip headlights when required.
- Maintain vehicle position to the right of the road.
- Check mirrors and blind spots for hazards.
- Switch the mirror to anti-dazzle mode if required/available.
- Adjust driving to suit the road conditions and take account of reflectors and guide posts.
B.In rain:
- Make sure the windscreen is clean.
- Turn vehicle headlights on if necessary.
- Turn on windscreen wipers and demisters if required.
- Adjust speed appropriate to conditions and increase following distance to at least four seconds.
- Maintain vehicle position to the right of the road.
C.In fog:
- Make sure the windscreen is clean.
- Turn vehicle headlights onto dip.
- Turn on windscreen wipers and demisters if required.
- Adjust speed appropriate to conditions and increase following distance to at least four seconds.
- Check mirrors.
D.In sunstrike/glare:
- Make sure the windscreen is clean.
- Use sun visor or sunglasses.
- Adjust speed appropriate to conditions and increase following distance to at least four seconds.
- Keep to the right of the road, or in the centre of the lane if on a multi-lane road.
- Watch out for other vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.
- If necessary and safe, pull over to the side of the road and wait until conditions improve.