10/01/2017

Do Not Use Fog Lights Unless Visibility Is 'Seriously Reduced' - PSNI

The PSNI have issued a warning to motorists not to use their fog lights unless their visibility is "seriously reduced".

Police made the call after stopping a number of drivers with their fog lights on for "absolutely no reason".

A PSNI spokesperson said: "It's dangerous and it's selfish. It frequently dazzles other drivers, and could cause a crash you aren't even aware of. A couple of times I've been given the line, "Oh I didn't realise, my car must have them on all the time automatically".

"Nonsense. No cars do that. Not working ones anyway. When it comes to full beams I've been told "Oh but I can't see otherwise". Often it's a failing bulb that hasn't been checked, aligned properly, or a dirty light cover that just needs a bit of a clean."

A driver using fog lights illegally could receive a £30 fixed penalty notice.

The spokesperson continued: "The other side of this coin is that when you need them – use them!! Dark mornings will be with us for a while yet but a lot of people seem to try to sneak to work in ninja mode. Make sure you can be seen!

"This isn't about something that, on its own, could land you in jail. This is one of those small things that a lot of people don't think about but could cause an accident. Thinking about this could save lives."

(CD/JP)

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