Genuine Question

az2wp0sye65487

I have a genuine question about Fog Lights, after an experience I had at the weekend. I did search through all previous threads about fog lights before posting this...

I'm aware that all the other threads have been locked and that they descended into pointless debates. I don't normally use my fog lights (except in fog!) but:

On the new M8 on Saturday heading towards Cork. It got very dull and the rain was absolutely P***ING down. I had to reduce speed to around 40 - 50kmph with wipers on full speed, and it was still difficult to see. The traffic in front of me was barely visible.

I checked in the mirror and a couple of cars that were a good bit away were gaining on me quickly. These muppets were still flying along even in those conditions. I was worried that they might not spot me until the last minute and not have enough space to slow down / stop, or even avoid me. Would this have been a suitable occasion for fog lights to be used?

I don't know the "correct" answer to this question but I would probably have used my fog lights in this situation.

O.A.P

When its as bad as you as you have described I would put them on for sure. Whether or not its with in the law to do so Im not sure.

_Kaiser_

Eliza Massive Millipede wrote: »

I have a genuine question about Fog Lights, after an experience I had at the weekend. I did search through all previous threads about fog lights before posting this...

I'm aware that all the other threads have been locked and that they descended into pointless debates. I don't normally use my fog lights (except in fog!) but:

On the new M8 on Saturday heading towards Cork. It got very dull and the rain was absolutely P***ING down. I had to reduce speed to around 40 - 50kmph with wipers on full speed, and it was still difficult to see. The traffic in front of me was barely visible.

I checked in the mirror and a couple of cars that were a good bit away were gaining on me quickly. These muppets were still flying along even in those conditions. I was worried that they might not spot me until the last minute and not have enough space to slow down / stop, or even avoid me. Would this have been a suitable occasion for fog lights to be used?

I'd say yes.. with the spray being thrown up, the dark overcast sky, and as you say eejits still flying along regardless - reminds me of the night we had the very heavy snow on the M1 about 18 months ago and this NI-reg white van came tearing up the road.. only for me to then pass him a few miles further up on his phone while the van was planted in the median grass verge.. how I laughed! :P)- I'd be more concerned about being seen myself.

But then I normally drive with dipped lights on all the time anyway as I do mostly N/M road driving and I've found it makes a big difference as people don't take the same stupid risks - like pulling out in front of you from a junction onto a 100 km/h road - and pedestrians don't seem to jaywalk in front of the car as much as they do otherwise.

mik_da_man

The owners manual of my car states that the fog lights are for use in conditions bad visibility, fog or heavy rain - so yes I would have put them on.

Henry Ford III

Law states fog lights can only be used:

1/. In fog

2/. In falling snow.

Although in the circumstances you describe I can see why you lit up yours.

Henry Ford III

Yep....

http://www.rulesoftheroad.ie/your-licence-and-vehicle/vehicle-safety/lights-reflectors.html

az2wp0sye65487

Kaiser2000 wrote: »

I'd say yes.. with the spray being thrown up, the dark overcast sky, and as you say eejits still flying along regardless - reminds me of the night we had the very heavy snow on the M1 about 18 months ago and this NI-reg white van came tearing up the road.. only for me to then pass him a few miles further up on his phone while the van was planted in the median grass verge.. how I laughed! :P)

Funny! I can't understand why some people speed so excessively just to:

a. pass you and end up 1 car ahead in a line of traffic
b. fly past you only to turn off into a car park / shop / workplace etc.
c. overtake and disappear, then 20 minutes later you pass them again at your maintained speed and they've slowed down all of a sudden!

Berty

There was ever only one question.

The answer is NO.

az2wp0sye65487

Berty wrote: »

There was ever only one question.

The answer is NO.

So what would have been the correct course of action in that situation?

Biro

Eliza Massive Millipede wrote: »

I have a genuine question about Fog Lights, after an experience I had at the weekend. I did search through all previous threads about fog lights before posting this...

I'm aware that all the other threads have been locked and that they descended into pointless debates. I don't normally use my fog lights (except in fog!) but:

On the new M8 on Saturday heading towards Cork. It got very dull and the rain was absolutely P***ING down. I had to reduce speed to around 40 - 50kmph with wipers on full speed, and it was still difficult to see. The traffic in front of me was barely visible.

I checked in the mirror and a couple of cars that were a good bit away were gaining on me quickly. These muppets were still flying along even in those conditions. I was worried that they might not spot me until the last minute and not have enough space to slow down / stop, or even avoid me. Would this have been a suitable occasion for fog lights to be used?

Ah ya, you have to use the noggin alright. If you feel they can't see you or won't see you properly till it might be too late, then put them on. Whether you're in dense fog or not though always turn them back off when the cars behind you are within a distance that they can see you. Which is nearly always further back than people might imagine! Basically when they've adjusted to your speed, off with the fogs, whether there's fog or not!

Berty

Eliza Massive Millipede wrote: »

So what would have been the correct course of action in that situation?

Driving in the rain with your lights on(not foglights) and driving defensivelly.

I even pulled the car over on Friday night in Limerick because the rain was so bad. Ironically as soon as I engaged the handbrake it eased off.

Anan1

Henry Ford III wrote: »

Law states fog lights can only be used:

1/. In fog

2/. In falling snow.

Although in the circumstances you describe I can see why you lit up yours.

I think that about sums it up.