Tips for Safe Driving in Fog While Towing Your Caravan

The caravanning season is extending well beyond summer these days, with more and more people embracing the joys of all-season caravan holidays. In fact, many now opt to keep their caravans on the road year-round, rather than storing them away for the winter months. It’s a great way to make the most of your caravan and get better value from your investment. But if you’re one of these all-weather adventurers, it’s important to be aware of the changes in driving conditions that come with the colder months.

Autumn, in particular, can bring misty mornings and foggy evenings, making driving a bit trickier – especially when you’re towing a caravan. Reduced visibility, earlier nights, and unpredictable weather can increase the risks on the road. To help you stay safe, we’ve gathered some expert tips on driving in fog, so you can keep enjoying your caravan adventures with peace of mind.

1. Prepare for Changing Conditions

As the weather cools and the days shorten, driving conditions naturally become more challenging. Early mornings and late afternoons often bring mist and fog, especially in rural and coastal areas where fog tends to linger over fields, lakes, or along the seafront. While it may look picturesque, fog can seriously reduce visibility, making it harder to spot obstacles, other vehicles, and even changes in the road ahead.

If you’re planning to head out with your caravan during these seasons, preparation is key. Make sure your vehicle is in good working order, your lights are functioning properly, and your tyres are suitable for wetter, colder conditions. Remember that towing a caravan adds an extra level of complexity, so it’s important to be even more cautious.

2. Adjust Your Lights Correctly for driving in fog

One of the most important things to remember when driving in fog is how to use your lights effectively. While it might be tempting to switch to full beam for better visibility, this can actually make things worse. The fog reflects the brighter light back at you, reducing what you can see through the windscreen.

Instead, stick to dipped headlights in foggy conditions. Your tow car should also have rear fog lights, which are essential when visibility is severely reduced. If visibility drops below 100 metres (around the length of a football pitch), make sure your fog lights are switched on. Be mindful though – if conditions improve and the fog lifts, turn them off to avoid dazzling other drivers.

3. Slow Down and Keep Your Distance

When towing a caravan, it’s crucial to drive at a slower speed than usual, and this is even more important when you’re driving in fog. Reduced visibility means you’ll need more time to react to any hazards, so ensure you maintain a good distance between your vehicle and the one in front.

In clear conditions, the Highway Code suggests leaving at least two seconds between your car and the vehicle ahead, but in fog, you’ll want to increase that distance even further. As fog can distort your sense of speed, take extra care to monitor your speedometer. Without clear landmarks whizzing by, like trees or buildings, it’s easy to misjudge how fast you’re going, which can lead to dangerous situations.

4. Stay Alert in Fog-Prone Areas

Certain locations are more likely to experience fog than others, so it pays to be aware of these areas and take extra precautions. Elevated roads, valleys, and coastal routes are particularly prone to mist and fog, which can appear unexpectedly. In some places, you may even encounter a sea fret – a coastal fog that rolls in off the water, creating sudden and dense patches of mist.

Industrial areas are another spot to watch out for, as pollution particles in the air can attract water droplets, thickening the fog even more. Keep an eye out for road signs warning of foggy conditions and adjust your driving accordingly.

5. Enhance Your Other Senses

In thick fog, when visibility is severely reduced, it’s time to rely on your other senses to stay safe on the road. Hearing becomes particularly important when your eyes can’t pick up everything that’s happening around you. This is especially true when approaching junctions or roundabouts.

The Highway Code recommends stopping and listening for other vehicles before proceeding when visibility is poor. Turn off any music or distractions, roll down your window, and listen carefully for approaching traffic. Once it’s safe to move, proceed with confidence to avoid hesitating in the path of other drivers.

6. Know When to Postpone Your Journey

While it’s great to maximise the use of your caravan throughout the year, it’s always worth considering whether a journey is necessary, especially in extreme weather. If the fog is particularly thick and you’re unsure about road safety, it might be worth postponing your trip until conditions improve. Your safety, and that of your passengers, should always come first.

For more detailed advice on staying safe while driving in fog, visit the UK National Highways website.

Stay Safe when driving in Fog

Towing a caravan in foggy conditions can present some challenges, but with the right preparation and driving habits, you can enjoy your journey safely. Keep these tips in mind, and remember to stay alert and cautious whenever you hit the road in misty weather. By doing so, you’ll continue to make the most of your caravanning adventures to Beverley Holidays, whatever the season!