Fog and early dark: how to make yourself visible on the road

In October the evenings come early, and in fog a rider disappears from a driver's view hundreds of metres sooner than in summer. Visibility is something you can sort out in the garage in half an hour.

• Switch on the headlight and parking light, then walk around the bike: check low beam, brake light, both indicators and the tail light. Replace any dead bulb before riding.
• Wipe the headlight lens and the brake light and indicator covers clean of dirt and film. Dirty optics shine noticeably worse.
• Check headlight aim: in the evening, park the bike on level ground facing a wall. If the beam pattern points upward, it blinds oncoming drivers and, in fog, bounces back into your own eyes. See the owner's manual for adjustment.
• Add reflective elements: strips on the helmet, jacket and backpack. A light or fluorescent jacket or vest makes you stand out even without lights.
• Clean the visor inside and out, and use an anti-fog coating or a Pinlock insert in fog. A fogged visor is worse than a weak headlight.
• If bulbs don't light or you suspect a wiring or relay problem, don't poke around in the electrics without experience; take it to a workshop.