“It’s impressive how many people drive without headlights in foggy weather. It is just as important to see as to be seen. Please turn on your headlights! » This message, posted on a support group between Deux-Sévrien motorists, is unequivocal. For several days, the department's roads have been foggy and, even more so, dangerous. “The other day, it was a real puree of peas! Impossible to see the car driving in front of me, even though it had its lights on,” testifies a motorcyclist from Gâtine, a region particularly concerned by the issue.
Automatic lights do not detect fog
But sometimes, as the listener denounces, we come across cars driving without any headlights on while visibility is very reduced. “It is unfortunately common and I note two reasons for this”distinguishes Captain Christophe Lallemand, commander of the departmental road safety squadron (EDSR). “Either motorists deliberately drive without lights, which makes them completely unconscious, or they forget to put them on, too accustomed to the automatic switching on of lights on recent cars. In fact, these are activated in the event of a drop in light but the photoelectric cells integrated into the headlights do not detect fog since the light does not weaken. »
The gendarme also wants to recall an almost obvious rule, but too often ignored. “When visibility is reduced, whether in fog, snow or heavy rain, we adapt our speed. If you are unable to see 50 meters away, the rule is to drive at 50 km/h, and this applies to any type of road. And then as far as possible, even if we are authorized to do so, we avoid overtaking if we are unable to see far enough. A car arriving without lights on or even a moped can lead to tragedy. »
Minus three points on the license and €135 fine
Being checked without lights on if visibility is low, even at night, can be expensive. “ The fine amounts to €135 and is accompanied by the loss of three points on the driving license,” figures the captain, who appeals above all to the common sense of road users. “Today flows are increasing everywhere. When I drive at a speed appropriate to the circumstances and turn on my lights, I do so primarily for my own safety. »
Fog lights, mandatory or not?
They too are often forgotten. Fog lights are one of those pieces of equipment that you always look for a little on the dashboard before finding them. “You have to distinguish between the front and rear fog lights,” recalls Captain Lallemand.
“Front fog lights have not been compulsory in vehicles since the 1990s but all are equipped with them. The rule is to engage them in fog, snow or heavy rain. For rear fog lights, this only concerns fog and snow, as they can get in the way in the rain. »
But here again, it is above all a question of having the right reflex, and of not letting yourself be controlled by your vehicle. “The fog lights are not included in the automatic ignition, so consider doing it manually. »
