Do Fog Lamps Save Lives?

[Baron_Samedi]

As per the title really.

Are there statistics anywhere that supports the mandatory installation of rear fog lamps?

I'm pretty sure that they have been a waste of effort!

More of a nuisance on the road rather than a safety aid...

 

[Rory]

I always think it's interesting that they don't have them in the US, and they certainly have plenty of fog in some parts.

 

[Baron_Samedi]

Good point.

Even if they were useful, how many drivers use the darned things properly!

 

[Mr_Menz]

Good point.

Even if they were useful, how many drivers use the darned things properly!

True! Most people learn and unlearn the day after their driving test!

 

[verytalldave]

Providing the person driving the car has a degree of sense as to when they should be used, then yes, they must be a life saver. Anything which gives other road users greater awareness of your presence must be beneficial, therefore generally safer, hence a life saver.
But please note, they must only be used when the weather circumstances dictate.

 

[wemorgan]

I hope that no one is going to claim the opposite, that rear fog lights have claimed lives.

If they're being used inappropriately and they dazzle hindering your vision, simply give a larger gap between you and the car in front. It may be frustrating, but there’s no benefit in getting worked-up and driving too close.

 

[neilrr]

I think if visibility is so poor that you actually need to use rear fog lights (as in you can't see normal running lights until you are on top of them) you'd be best not driving.

Can't remember the last time I saw fog like that. I do, however, see dozens of ***** driving around with them on when they are not needed.

 

[Baron_Samedi]

That's a good point.

More often, like front fog lights rear units are used inappropriately.

Now, I wouldn't suggest that foglights claim lives but, is there evidence that using them saves lives?

 

[camerafodder]

I hope that no one is going to claim the opposite, that rear fog lights have claimed lives.

If they're being used inappropriately and they dazzle hindering your vision, simply give a larger gap between you and the car in front. It may be frustrating, but there’s no benefit in getting worked-up and driving too close.

If there was a rocket launcher mounted on my car then they would certainly claim lives!

 

[oldcro]

You hit dense fog. Is there a vehicle behind you? If yes just use front fogs, if no switch rear fog on until you see a vehicle behind you then switch it off. Simple, you have maximum forward vision and driver behind was able to see you earlier and then not be dazzled.

 

[renault12ts]

Hasn't this been covered recently:

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/driving-incidents-roadrage/80951-foglights.html

 

[Ade B]

Interestingly (or not) they don't put them on motorbikes.

Do they think we don't ride in the fog?



Ade

 

[Dryce]

You hit dense fog. Is there a vehicle behind you? If yes just use front fogs, if no switch rear fog on until you see a vehicle behind you then switch it off. Simple, you have maximum forward vision and driver behind was able to see you earlier and then not be dazzled.

The rules are quite clear about their use. Better to stick to them rather than mess about and make things more complicated than they need to be.

 

[Dryce]

Interestingly (or not) they don't put them on motorbikes.

Difficult to discriminate between fog light and brake light on a bike.

With a car you have clear separation between the rear fog and the opposite side tail and brake lights.

That said I never liked driving a bike in dense fog because of this.

 

[Baron_Samedi]

Ahhhh but this thread is about are they saving lives...

And Ade B makes another pertinent point regarding the fitment of foglights to motorcycles.

Personally, I can't remember the last time I had cause to use foglights and the only reason I know I have front foglights is because of the comfort feature....

 

[orangeboy]

On the subject of foglights.

I am getting prepared to register my w211 in Spain, and I have to have the rear foglights on the other side.

Does anyone know if in fact both sides have the fittings for foglights on UK models, but the bulbs are only installed on the right?



Also, someone mentioned to me when I joined, that there are other MBCLub members who live in spain, and have gone through the procedure of re-registering a UK car. Can someone point them out to me please? Thanks.

 

[renault12ts]

No...fitting is only on one side.

 

[219]

Interestingly (or not) they don't put them on motorbikes.

Do they think we don't ride in the fog?



Ade

I fitted two rear fog lamps to my bike when I had it .

 

[oldcro]

The rules are quite clear about their use. Better to stick to them rather than mess about and make things more complicated than they need to be.

How did my post contravene the rules of use?

 

[Dryce]

How did my post contravene the rules of use?

You suggested switching your fogs off if there was a driver behind even if the visibility was reduced: ie. 100m or less.

The rules state you must use fog lights if visibility is reduced. Nothing conditional on presence (or lack of presence) of other vehicles in the vicinity.

So the contravention is quite clear cut. You might end up having an interesting conversation with the driver of the following vehicle if it was a police car.