A foggy morning isn’t uncommon, but the driving conditions are deadlier than you think. According to The Weather Channel, there are over 31 thousand fog-related car accidents every year in the U.S. Here are some tips for driving in fog to help you stay safe and avoid an accident.
Take it Slow
When driving conditions become less than optimal, the best thing you can do is slow down. If it’s foggy, plan to take extra time to reach your destination, even if it makes you a little late. Being on time for work isn’t nearly as important as staying safe.
Use Your Low Beams
If you’re heading out to drive in the fog, make sure your headlights are on to give you as much visibility as possible. Not only will you be able to see better, but others will be able to see you better since your taillights will be on, too.
If your car has fog lights, use them. If you’re not sure, look for a symbol with two lights facing out away from each other. These lights are like low beams, but they point a bit more towards the side to increase visibility. While most older cars have them, fog lights are less and less common as headlight technology improves.
Never Use High Beams
It seems logical to use your high beams in the fog to increase your visibility, but this isn’t the case. If you’re driving in the fog, never use your high beams. High beams actually reflect off of the fog and cause a glare, making it more difficult for you to see ahead on the road. The next time you drive in fog, remember to use your low beams and fog lights only.
Keep a Safe Distance From Other Cars
Just like when it’s raining, keeping a safe distance away from other cars is important to avoid an accident. With reduced visibility, you’ll need more time to react if a car in front of you brakes quickly. Keep a five-second distance between you and the car in front of you in the fog.
Pay Extra Attention to the Lanes
It can be easy to lose track of your lane when driving in the fog because it’s harder to see the lines in reduced visibility. Remember to track the lines with your eyes and pay extra attention. This way, unexpected changes in the road won’t surprise you.
Don’t Drive if Possible
If fog has reduced visibility to low or zero, it’s best not to drive at all. Don’t start driving if the fog is heavy. If you enter heavy fog while driving, turn on your hazard lights, slow down and exit into the nearest safe area (i.e., gas station, road pull off, etc.) and wait until visibility is improved enough to drive.
The car accident attorneys at Cesar Ornelas Law are ready to help you if you get in a car accident while driving in the fog. We provide FREE case reviews from personal injury lawyers to help you determine the future of your case.
Contact us today to schedule a free review.
