Fog Safety: Driving in the Fog

Have you ever imagined what it would be like to fly through a cloud? Well, there’s a less majestic way you can achieve a similar result: driving through fog.

Unfortunately, driving through fog isn’t as magical as flying through a cloud. When you’re behind the wheel with such limited visibility, all kinds of safety issues arise. Follow some of these tips to stay safe if you find yourself traveling through the fog.

• Leave more distance between you and the car in front of you

When driving in the fog, your visibility is greatly reduced. With decreased visibility, longer braking times are needed, so that extra space may make the difference between a sudden stop and a crash. In general, when driving in the fog, slow down!

• Use your low beam headlights, and fog lights if you have them

Turning on your low beams will also turn on your taillights, making your vehicle visible to other cars on the road. Never use your high beams, as they will reflect off the fog and cause glare, further reducing visibility.

• Follow the lines on the road with your eyes

By following the painted lines on the road with your eyes, it will ensure that you stay within your lane. Additionally, some roads have reflectors along the lines, which will help you maintain your lanes even further.

• Avoid sudden stops

When driving in the fog, you must also think about the drivers behind you. If you come to a sudden stop, you run the risk of a car following you crashing into your rear. When you need to brake, begin braking early. It will turn your brake lights on, giving an early alert to anyone following behind you.

• If you have to pull over, pull as far to the side of the road as you can and turn on your hazards

If the visibility becomes too bad and you decide the safest thing to do is wait it out, remember that everyone on the road is having trouble seeing. Get as far to the side of the road as you can, and turn on those hazards so everyone knows exactly where you are.

• Utilize your windshield wipers and defrosters

Fog can add moisture to your windshield, further reducing visibility. Using the defrosters will help dry out any extra moisture and prevent icing in colder temperatures and higher elevations.

All the good driving habits you’ve built over time will be called upon when driving in the fog. Remember, the road is shared. Everyone out there will be struggling under the same poor visibility. Utilize your lights, maintain a consistent speed and pay close attention to what’s happening around you to remain safe in the poor visibility conditions.

Credit: NWS
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Story Image: Morning Fog via Wikimedia Commons