Fog
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MORE than half the driv monitored in foggy condith on the M4 were driving I fast. This was the not-too-s prising conclusion of a Tra port and Road Research Lal ratory report "Driving in I on the M4."
To find out more abc drivers' behaviour and a tudes towards fog, equipm( that photographed vehic and recorded their speed v installed on the M4 during I winter of 1975/76.
A fog detector, developed the Meteorological office, v, used to switch on the equ rnent when the visibili dropped to 200m (656ft) less. Only lanes 2 and 3 WE covered, so information abc lorries was sparse and t report deals only with t results from light vans a cars.
The registration numbers the vehicles were recorded ai a questionnaire was sent to t driver asking his opinion I the conditions in which 1 vehicle was photographed ai his opinions on driving in fl generally.
Of the 444 questionnair returned to the TRRL, 58 sa the fog was too patchy estimate conditions at cm particular point; 38 commen ed on the advisory speed sigi and most of these criticised ti of suitable speed limits Ld mentioned the need for e signs to be brought up to ,te more frequently.
When the drivers were ked what they thought put ern in the greatest danger nen driving in fog on motorays, 51 per cent said "being n into from behind," 40 per nt "running into vehicles iead," and 8 per cent "driving f the road."
The report concluded that, 50m visibility, more than if the drivers in lanes 2 and 3 ere exceeding the speed at hich they could stop within is distance.