More than 1 in 10 UK drivers don’t know how to turn on their fog lights while driving, new research reveals
A recent survey from Go.Compare Car insurance has revealed that just over one in 10 UK drivers surveyed do not know or are unsure of how to turn on their vehicle's fog lights while driving.*
The data details that 7.2% of drivers surveyed admitted to not knowing how to turn on their fog lights while driving, and a further 4.1% said they weren’t sure, totalling to a surprising 11.3% of UK drivers.
The findings also showed that more women (16.4%) than men (6.6%), who currently drive, admitted to being unaware of how to turn on their fog lights while driving. And that it’s those aged 35-44 who are the most likely to be unaware of how to turn their fog lights on, with 13.1% saying they don’t know or aren’t sure.
| Age | % of drivers who don’t know how to turn on their fog lights while driving** |
| 17-24 | 10.50% |
| 25-34 | 11.10% |
| 35-44 | 13.10% |
| 45-54 | 11.80% |
| 55+ | 10.50% |
Tom Banks, spokesperson for Go.Compare Car insurance, commented on the findings: “It’s concerning to see that so many drivers are unsure about something as essential as their fog lights, especially with such unpredictable weather in the UK. Your visibility can change quickly when you are out on the roads so it’s important that you know how to deal with these changing conditions.
“Fog lights are a crucial part of any vehicle, especially in conditions with low visibility. While it's reassuring to know that the majority of drivers are familiar with the location of their fog lights it’s important to take some time to work out exactly where your fog lights are and make sure you know how to turn them on, should the conditions on the roads get foggy.”
If you are planning to drive in bad weather, the experts at Go.Compare have put together a guide to help you ensure you are staying safe. Their tips include:
- Check your lights: Make sure all your lights are working and clean. If you're not quite sure how to turn on your fog lights, refer to your vehicle's manual and make sure you're familiarise yourself with where they are located.
- Slow down: It’s a good idea to drive slower than usual when you have reduced visibility. If you come across an obstacle or a sudden change in road conditions, driving slowly will allow you more time to react.
- Maintain distance: In poor weather, increase the distance between you and other vehicles to allow more time to stop if necessary.
- Prepare your vehicle: Before heading out, make sure your vehicle is in good condition. Check the tyres, windshield wipers, and fluid levels, and ensure your car's defrosting system is functioning properly.
- Leave extra time for your journey: Driving slowly is key to staying safe in bad weather conditions. Make sure you give yourself more time to try to avoid any accidents.
To learn more about driving in bad weather visit: https://www.gocompare.com/car-insurance/guide/red-weather-warnings/
Contact Information
Rubie Barker
Notes to editors
-ENDS -
Notes to editor:
*The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2004 UK Nationally Representative Consumers. The stats throughout the release refer to the UK Consumers aged 17+ who currently drive. The data was collected between 24.01.2025 - 27.01.2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.
**No’ and ‘Not sure’ responses combined
For further information please contact:
Lynsey Walden on lynsey.walden@gocompare.com, or Kath Chadwick on Kathryn.chadwick@gocompare.com
Keep up-to-date with GoCompare on Twitter; @GoCompare
About Go.Compare
Go.Compare is a comparison website that enables people to compare the costs and features of a wide variety of insurance policies, financial products and energy tariffs.
It does not charge people to use its services and does not accept advertising or sponsored listings, so all product comparisons are unbiased. Go.Compare makes its money through fees paid by the providers of products that appear on its various comparison services when a customer buys through the site.
When it launched in 2006, it was the first comparison site to focus on displaying policy details rather than just listing prices, with the aim of helping people to make better-informed decisions when buying their insurance. It is this approach to comparing products that secured the company an invitation to join the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) in 2008, and it is still the only comparison site to be a member of this organisation.
Go.Compare has remained dedicated to helping people choose the most appropriate products rather than just the cheapest and works with Defaqto, the independent financial researcher, to integrate additional policy information into a number of its insurance comparison services. This allows people to compare up to an extra 30 features of cover.
Go.Compare is part of Future Plc and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
More information can be found here www.gocompare.com or here https://www.futureplc.com/brands/.