Driving skills syllabus

29   Driving in poor visibility

Aim

• To safely and legally drive in conditions of poor visibility, including at night and in adverse weather driving conditions.

Situation

• In a 50 km/h zone with the following conditions, where available:
  1. at night
  2. in rain
  3. in fog
  4. in sunstrike/glare.

The driver should

1. At night:
   • Make sure the windscreen is clean.
   • Switch headlights on early when visibility is poor.
   • Scan the road 12 seconds ahead (approximately six cars ahead).
   • Dip headlights when required.
   • Maintain vehicle position to the left of the road.
   • Check mirrors and blind spots for hazards.
   • Switch the mirror to anti-dazzle mode if required/available.
   • Adjust driving to suit the road conditions and take account of reflectors and guide posts.
2. In rain:
   • Make sure the windscreen is clean.
   • Turn vehicle headlights on if necessary.
   • Turn on windscreen wipers and demisters if required.
   • Adjust speed appropriate to conditions and increase following distance to at least four seconds.
   • Maintain vehicle position to the left of the road.
3. In fog:
   • Make sure the windscreen is clean.
   • Turn vehicle headlights onto dip.
   • Turn on windscreen wipers and demisters if required.
   • Adjust speed appropriate to conditions and increase following distance to at least four seconds.
   • Check mirrors.
4. In sunstrike/glare:
   • Make sure the windscreen is clean.
   • Use sun visor or sunglasses.
   • Adjust speed appropriate to conditions and increase following distance to at least four seconds.
   • Keep to the left of the road, or in the centre of the lane if on a multi-lane road.
   • Watch out for other vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.
   • If necessary and safe, pull over to the side of the road and wait until conditions improve.

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Last updated: 30 April 2009