Hello Mabs

I’m looking for advice on how to drive safely during the rainy season and also in foggy conditions. How do I best reduce my speed and increase my visibility?

Mabs Answers

This is a great question, especially for this time of the year with the summer rains hitting South Africa, driving in wet and foggy conditions can be tricky.

The most important first step when weather conditions are not ideal, is to reduce your speed. Wet roads can be slippery and fog limits visibility. On a sunny day, it takes roughly 24 meters to stop a car travelling at 60km/h. But on wet roads, that distance can increase to around 40 meters due to reduced grip. In low visibility, you also need extra time to react, so always drive more cautiously in these conditions.

Keep a greater distance from the vehicle ahead, as stopping distances increase in these conditions. Use your headlights (but not high beams in fog) to improve visibility, and ensure your wipers and tyres are in good condition. Many modern cars come with safety features like ABS and traction control to help you maintain control. Always stay alert and adjust your driving to the conditions for a safer journey.