Pointless Signs

[dabaldie]

what they need to do is incorporate the fogs into the headlight unit like my Citroen C5
THe main headlamp is divided into 4 sections.
1st quarter on outside is side lights
2nd quarter +1st quarter on outside makes normal dipped.
top inner quarter is a different mirror and points down slightly and makes fog lights
bottom inner quarter plus all others makes full beam.
works just as well if not better and removes the ' i look cool cos i have 4 headlights' syndrome that most 'youngsters' aspire to.
plus its pretty much impossible to leave the fogs on (which you used to be able to do on my astra), whilst driving with sides. also as soon as you go main beam and the switch main beam off.. hey presto.. so do your fogs.
NO excuses

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Can you not adjust your driving to what you can see or do you need a sign to tell you what to do?

Of course I can, but signs are useful to warn me about things that I cannot see.

I'm not sure what leads you to your extremist questions when I all I have said that it is possible to see whether or not it is foggy.

Not extremist - I just don't believe that you can always see that there is fog ahead.

At what speed do you drive on motorways when it's dark?

Whatever speed it is safe to do so.

So what assumptions do you make about what's on the other side of the hill you're driving up in the dark? Do you always slow down in case there is fog?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Visibility should be less than 100 metres for fog lights to be used. Using fog lights when not appropriate is an offence - this includes the use of front fog lights.

Genuine Q - I thought that only applied to the use of front fogs on their own, i.e. not when used in conjunction with headlights?

 

[Steve]

Visibility should be less than 100 metres for fog lights to be used. Using fog lights when not appropriate is an offence - this includes the use of front fog lights.

Genuine Q - I thought that only applied to the use of front fogs on their own, i.e. not when used in conjunction with headlights?

using foglights during the day, i dont have a problem with, and im sure it isn't illegal, since the law is that you shouldn't use your lights in such a way that dazzles other drivers (words to that effect).

Therefore using foglights, at night, with or without headlights, when there is no fog, constitutes an offence, since they dazzle either way. Think thats what you are asking anyway ban!

 

[dg123]

Visibility should be less than 100 metres for fog lights to be used. Using fog lights when not appropriate is an offence - this includes the use of front fog lights.

Genuine Q - I thought that only applied to the use of front fogs on their own, i.e. not when used in conjunction with headlights?

Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989

Front fog lamp: Manner of use prohibited:

(a) Used so as to cause undue dazzle or discomfort to other persons using the road.
(b) Used so as to be lit at any time other than in conditions of seriously reduced visibility.
(c) Used so as to be lit when a vehicle is parked.


Rear fog lamp: Manner of use prohibited:

(a) Used so as to cause undue dazzle or discomfort to the driver of a following vehicle.
(b) Used so as to be lit at any time other than in conditions of seriously reduced visibility.
(c) Save in the case of an emergency vehicle, used so as to be lit when a vehicle is parked.

 

[dg123]

Can you not adjust your driving to what you can see or do you need a sign to tell you what to do?

Of course I can, but signs are useful to warn me about things that I cannot see.

I'm not sure what leads you to your extremist questions when I all I have said that it is possible to see whether or not it is foggy.

Not extremist - I just don't believe that you can always see that there is fog ahead.

At what speed do you drive on motorways when it's dark?

Whatever speed it is safe to do so.

So what assumptions do you make about what's on the other side of the hill you're driving up in the dark? Do you always slow down in case there is fog?

Never make assumptions. I slow down if visibility is reduced.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989

Front fog lamp: Manner of use prohibited:

(a) Used so as to cause undue dazzle or discomfort to other persons using the road.

Fair enough. Probably applies to all lights anyway. Also the point about foglights is that their beam pattern is (or should be) designed to work effectively in fog, which basically means low and flat to avoid reflecting back at the driver, and such a beam will not cause undue dazzle or discomfort to other persons using the road unless they are using it as a bed.

If you are dazzled by oncoming foglights, then either they are not actually foglights or they are seriously out of alignment.

(b) Used so as to be lit at any time other than in conditions of seriously reduced visibility.

I know I could look it up, but I can't ba @rsed - does the act define "seriously reduced visibility"? I often use my front fogs on unlit country lanes - I find them very useful for illuminating the road and the n/s verge when I have to avert my eyes down and to the left when a car is coming the other way, which I do for 2 reasons:

1) It means I don't look at the oncoming headlights - even dipped ones that don't dazzle will cause your pupils to contract, leaving you with poorer night vision once the car has passed.

2) It makes it easier to move as far to the left as possible.

(c) Used so as to be lit when a vehicle is parked.

Fair enough.

On a general note regarding rear fogs, somebody complained that one of the problems is that you lose discrimination with the brake lights. Many years ago, when rear fogs were never fitted as standard, there was an aftermarket product called, IIRC, "fogstop", which was a box of tricks (probably resistors) and higher wattage stop/tail lamps. When activated it gave you a brighter rear light and a correspondingly brighter brake light.

Shame they don't make cars with such a system.

So what assumptions do you make about what's on the other side of the hill you're driving up in the dark? Do you always slow down in case there is fog?

Never make assumptions. I slow down if visibility is reduced.

You have to make assumptions.

In the situation I describe, you either have to assume that there isn't a bank of fog over the brow of the hill, and not slow down, or you have to assume that there is, and slow down as you approach the brow.

It seems that you and I are never going to agree - I think it's a good idea to warn drivers of hazards ahead that they cannot see, or may not have seen, you think it should all be down to driver skill.

As admirable as increased driver skills are, no matter how perfectly you drive, when you've slowed down because your skill and judgement has allowed you to detect the presence of fog, do you want your life to depend on everyone else having done the same?

 

[dg123]

BAS; I agree - it appears we won't agree! The fog issue is getting a bit foggy! Faced with a blind summit I slow down as there is no way of knowing what is beyond. The reliance on others on the roads these days is quite an issue- especially with everyone in such a hurry.

I try to drive in such a manner as to not impact on others as I really do not want to be held responsible for causing another to crash, etc.. I have just renewed my m/cycle insurance and included in the policy is insurance against being a victim of road rage! Maybe I could cut up someone and get a payout!

The "seriously reduced visibility" for fog lights appears only to be defined by the Highway Code as less than 100 metres - the problem with the HC is that it is not law but if one is facing prosecution it is likely that the HC will be used as guidelines by magistrates, etc..