AA spotlight on fog lights

Improper use of fog lights by other road users is a key concern of motorists during the winter period, with over 80% of the opinion that fog lights are under used by other drivers, research by AA Ireland has found.

In an AA Motor Insurance Survey of over 9,000 people, 46.75% of those surveyed agreed completely with the claim that the under-use of fog lights would be a major issue during their daily winter commute, while a further 35.86% of motorists surveyed stated that they were somewhat in agreement with this claim.

“Remarkably, we get more complaints in to AA Roadwatch about fog lights than almost anything else.” said director of consumer affairs Conor Faughnan.“It really is something that other drivers find annoying. You may be unaware of it while you drive but your rear fog light can be dazzling and distracting for the car behind when foggy conditions improve.”

On the opposite end of the spectrum, 34.78% of motorists strongly believe that the over use of fog lights by other drivers will be a major issue over the coming months, with a further 33.16% partially agreeing with this claim. Meanwhile, just over 10% of drivers stated that they at least somewhat disagreed with the over-use of fog lights by other road users being an issue during their winter driving.

“It is not hard to get it right when it comes to fog lights.” said Mr Faughnan. “You use them in foggy conditions or in falling snow and they are very helpful. But afterwards, turn them off. We have a terrible tendency to be much too casual about that.”