9 Tips for Driving in Fog

We experience heavy fog in the UK and Ireland on a regular basis, and so its inevitable that we will all come across dangerous driving when visibility is so limited due to added mist and low lying moisture. The following 9 tips will help you when you're next faced with driving in foggy conditions and what the correct procedures to undertake to ensure a safe journey

1 . First thing to do in foggy driving conditions is to ensure your windows and windscreen is free of dirt and grime. This will help with visibility regardless of the weather. You must also check that your lights are fully operational.

2. Make sure to put on your fog-lights while driving, and you should also use your dipped headlights in fog, your beams will not have the desired effect, and will make visibility even worse. Also remember to turn them off once you're out of the fog, in particular in traffic, it can be blinding!

3. Always have your heater on your windscreen, this will ensure that they do not steam up and further limit visibility in the fog.

4. While driving, maintain a larger gap than normal between yourself and the car in front. Drive slower than normal also, it is crucial considering the possibility of you coming across stopped cars in the fog.

5. You should brake gently and early to give the driver behind you the best possible warning.

6. Remain diligent and fully concentrate on the road by turning down your radio and phone. Remember that some drivers may not have fully working lights so you need to be fully tuned in.

7. Considering the concentration levels you will become tired quicker than usual, take breaks on a regular basis if driving for long distances to avoid a build up of stress and reduce the possibility of driving inappropriately.

8. Place a Hi-Vis Vest in your car in case you have to get out to attend to another motorist or change a flat tire, you have to be visible to other drivers!

9. When stopped at a junction, particularly when moving from a minor road to a major road, you should roll down your window and listen for on-coming traffic. This will help you anticipate anything coming in either direction before it comes near the junction.


Please remember to slow down and be safe at all times with driving in fog. Arrive safely!

Words by John Smyth, MicksGarage Marketing Guru!

New DUI Laws For Ireland?

In certain states of America such as California you may be required to have a car breathalyser or ignition interlock device fitted to your car if you are convicted of a DUI offence. Every time you want to start your car you must provide the device with a sample of your breath. If you exceed the blood alcohol limit the car won’t start and you must wait at least 15 minutes before you can give another sample. But what if you get someone else to provide a breath sample for you?...

Ignition Interlock Breathalyser Device

New legislation in Illinois has introduced the requirement for all breathalyser devices to be fitted with a camera to record who has started the car. “We want to make sure with this camera the right person is blowing into the tube,” said the Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White. The device and its installation must be paid for by the person convicted of the DUI offence. Costs of installation vary from $50 - $200 and monthly fees could reach up to $100 per month. The length of time it must be fitted for depends on the State and varies from 90 days to 5 years.

When asked about the extra cost involved due to the device having a camera, she replied “It’s still less than the cost of a drink a day.”

Each time you provide a breath sample, it's recorded, whether you pass or fail and the data is shared with the relevant authority. There is also rolling tests where you can be required to provide a sample while you’re driving but it will give you time to pull over or you can provide the sample while driving. If you fail a rolling breath test the car won’t shut down.

The current penalties for DUI offences in Ireland are disqualification periods ranging from 1 to 6 years and this depends on whether it is their first offence and the level of alcohol detected in your breath. Could these devices save lives in Ireland?

Words by Niall

Top Tips for Driving with Sun Glare

Usually when it comes to safe driving tips we think of cold weather, icy roads and dense foggy conditions. However it's very important to remember that it's just as critical to stay safe on the roads in times of sunny, warm weather, and make sure that the glare of the sun doesn't effect your vision when making your journey. Here are our top tips on how to minimise any problems:

1 - Clear windscreen - Ensure that your windscreen is spotlessly clean both inside and out. Dirt or grime on the outside or inside of the wind-shield causes the light to scatter, increasing the glare. Clean your wind-shield before setting off so you are not blinded by the reflection of the drops of wind-shield washer fluid in challenging light conditions.

2 - Windscreen washer fluid - Make sure your windscreen washer bottle is fully topped up and you have some solution added that helps clear the windscreen of dirt, bugs and grit that will land on the windscreen

3 - Dashboard polish - Keep your dashboard clear and avoid using high-gloss products that can increase reflection.

4 - Wear sunglasses - Have a pair sitting in the car at all times, and if possible a pair of polarised sunglasses, as they help to reduce the glare more than ordinary.

5 - Slow down - Goes for all driving condition but even more important if driving into low lying sun as it can be difficult to see the brake lights of the car in front, so make sure ample distance is left between you and them. (remember the 2 second rule!)

6 - Sun visor - Utilise your sun visor, that's what it's there for! 

7 - Road markings - If you're having trouble seeing the road, use the road markings to help guide you

8 - Extra time - Leave extra time so that you don't feel rushed getting to your destination.


Words by John Smyth, MicksGarage Marketing Guru!