Met Office urges Brits to follow 'two-second rule' today as major yellow alert in place
The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for dense fog across the UK, urging motorists to drive cautiously and follow safety advice.
The Met Office has put in place a five-hour yellow weather warning today for fog across large parts of the UK, urging motorists to be cautious and follow key safety advice to avoid accidents.
As visibility is expected to be significantly reduced, drivers are being reminded to follow the “two-second rule” and take extra precautions on the road.
The yellow alert is in place due to thick fog expected to linger, creating hazardous driving conditions.
In light of this, both the Met Office and the RAC have issued guidance to help drivers navigate safely through the difficult weather.
When driving in fog, it’s essential to adjust your driving habits to account for the reduced visibility.
One of the key safety rules is the “two-second rule,” which advises motorists to leave a safe distance of at least two seconds between their car and the vehicle in front.
This gap provides additional time to react if the car ahead suddenly brakes or slows down—an essential precaution in low-visibility situations.
In adverse weather conditions like fog, the “two-second rule” is more important than ever. Fog reduces visibility, making it harder to gauge the speed of the vehicle ahead. The increased braking distance gives you a crucial buffer to react in case of sudden stops or changes in speed.
With dense fog set to impact major roads and motorways, maintaining this distance is one of the most effective ways to avoid accidents.
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The RAC has also provided the following recommendations to ensure safer driving in fog:
Fog Lights: Make sure you know how to operate both your front and rear fog lights. These lights are designed specifically for low-visibility conditions and help ensure other drivers can see you. If your vehicle has automatic lights, be aware that they may not activate in foggy weather, so double-check that your lights are manually turned on.
Avoid Full Beam: Do not use full beam headlights in fog. While it may seem like a way to improve visibility, fog actually reflects the bright light, which can dazzle you and further reduce visibility.
Listen at Junctions: In extremely limited visibility, it’s recommended to wind down your windows at junctions and crossroads to listen for oncoming traffic. This can help detect other vehicles that may not be visible due to the fog.
Stop if Necessary: If visibility is dangerously low and you feel you cannot safely continue driving, it may be best to pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Ensure you stop in a safe location, such as a layby, and use your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
The yellow warning is expected to remain in place for the next few days, particularly affecting the early mornings and evenings. The Met Office advises drivers to plan ahead, allowing extra time for journeys and checking the weather forecast before setting out.
