Fog Lights

Driving in a foggy weather can be challenging for anyone. Thick fog can reduce the visibility to such an extent that it becomes difficult to anticipate anything right in front of us – pedestrians or moving vehicles. This kind of situation often leads to dangerous driving situations. When there is low visibility on the road, using fog lights, driving slowly, and being alert can go a long way in keeping us safe.

What are fog lights?
Fog lights are special yellow-colored lights which are usually fixed below the bumper to see through the fog and mist. By fixing the light lower to the ground, one can minimize the reflected glow back to the driver. The special monochromatic light is believed to have the ability to minimize scattering as the beam strikes the fog droplets, unlike the white color light. Moreover, among all the visible colors, yellow color has the longest wavelength, which is second to only red color. This makes yellow-color fog light visible from a longer distance than any standard headlight beam. Generally, yellow or light purple color beam are used as fog lights.

Now-a-days, fog lights feature halogen lights. Such halogen fog lights produce tighter beam than earlier incandescent models. Many new luxury car models are also coming up with high-intensity discharge lamps (known as HID lamps). Such lights are distinguished by their light purplish hue due to the presence of different mineral vapors such as sodium, halide or mercury. At present, the true effectiveness of HID lamps (in foggy condition) over halogen lights is still to be known.

How to ensure road safety using fog lights?
The following precautions are necessary when you are on the road:

• Always try to keep your vehicle in a good working condition, more so if you are anticipating bad weather.
• It is suggested that when visibility is less than 100 meters, it is time to switch on your fog lights. This will not only help you to see the road ahead more clearly, other vehicles will also be aware of your presence.
• In foggy weather, ensure safety by avoiding switching on your regular car lights, but the fog lights. This is because high beams from ordinary headlights can reflect back to the driver, thereby further reducing the visibility.

Finally, always be alert while driving. Taking unnecessary risk may take you away from people whom you love.

Guest Blogger: Nina