Fog, dust and convoy spacing

Fog hides the road and dust hides the car ahead. In both, speed and spacing do the work.

In a convoy, the car behind sits in the dust of the car in front, so the gap must grow. General technique, not a substitute for training or your owner's manual. Practise on easy ground first, with a spotter, and stop if you are unsure.

By Gypsy Overlanding Family ®

SlowdownGapbigger in dustLightson, low beam
Fog and dust rules.

The short answer

Slow down, use low-beam headlights and fog lamps if you have them, and keep a bigger gap. In dust, drop back until you can see the track ahead, and use the radio or hand signals to stay in contact. In fog, follow the road edge, not the car in front, and stop somewhere safe if you cannot see.

Do

  • Slow down
  • Use low beam, and fog lamps if fitted
  • Keep a big gap in dust
  • Use radio or signals to stay in touch
  • Stop in a safe place if you cannot see

Do not

  • Use high beam in fog
  • Tailgate in dust
  • Overtake blind
  • Stop on the road in fog
  • Rely on the car ahead as your guide

Fog

  • Slow down so you can stop in the distance you can see
  • Use low beam and fog lamps. High beam reflects back, see lights and electrics
  • Use the road edge and markings as your guide
  • Do not stop on the road. Pull off if you can
  • Demist the windscreen so you can see

Dust

  • Hold back until the dust settles, so you can see the track
  • Close the windows and use recirculation, and keep the vents clear of dust
  • Use low beam so other drivers can see you
  • See fluids and filters for dust for air filter care

Convoy spacing

  • In dust, the gap must be bigger than normal, so the following driver can see
  • Agree radio calls and signals before you start, see convoy etiquette and hand signals
  • Keep the lead and tail vehicles in contact
  • If you lose sight of the vehicle ahead, slow down and call
  • Regroup at junctions

Pick your conditions

Tap a condition to see what to do.

Tap a condition (6 to try)

What to do for Fog on a ghat road

Do this
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Details
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Common mistakes

  • Using high beam in fog. It reflects back.
  • Tailgating in dust. You cannot see.
  • Stopping on the road. Others may hit you.
  • Rushing to catch up. You can miss a turn.
  • Skipping the briefing. Agree signals first.
A final word. General technique, not a substitute for training or your owner's manual. Practise on easy ground first, with a spotter, and stop if you are unsure.