If you live in an area where fog is common, then you know how treacherous it can be to drive in. Heavy fog can drastically reduce visibility, making it difficult to see other cars or obstacles on the road.
While there are some precautionary measures that you can take to help make driving in fog safer, sometimes the best thing to do is just stay home.
In this blog post, we’ll share some tips on how to safely navigate driving in heavy fog. But first, let’s talk about why fog forms and why it’s so dangerous to drive in.
So, why does fog form?
Fog is a form of stratus cloud, which is formed when air containing moisture cools enough to cause water droplets to condense out. The temperature or humidity needs to be just right in order for the fog to form; too hot or too dry, and it won’t happen.
Fog can reduce visibility significantly and make it difficult to see the road ahead or other cars on the highway. This increases the chances of collisions, as well as making it more difficult to adjust speed accordingly. Fog can also cause glare, which can temporarily blind drivers and lead to accidents. It’s also easy for drivers to become disoriented or lost in heavy fog.
Now that we know why fog is so dangerous let’s talk about how to survive driving in it.
How dangerous is it to drive in fog?
Driving in heavy fog is very dangerous and should be avoided whenever possible. If you must drive in it, it’s important to both know how to drive in difficult conditions and also what to do in the case of an accident.
We’re going to provide you with some tips for staying safe when driving in fog but here also are our ‘need to know’ should you find yourself in an accident.
What to do if you’re in a car accident in fog
1. Don’t panic – it can be hard to stay calm in a scary situation, but it’s important that you remain as composed as possible so that you can make safe decisions.
2. Call emergency services and report the accident – let them know how many people are involved and any injuries sustained.
3. Turn on your hazard lights – this will help warn other drivers of the accident ahead, minimizing the chances of any further collisions.
4. Stay away from the road until help arrives – if you must leave your car, do so cautiously and with extreme caution.
If possible, you should also take photos and make notes of what has happened so that you can provide accurate details to your insurance company and also to car accident solicitors. It may be that you find yourself in a situation whereby you need to claim compensation because of the accident and the impact it has on you and so accurate information will be critical to a successful claim.
Drive slowly and carefully when visibility is low
Driving in adverse weather conditions can be stressful and overwhelming. Low visibility can be incredibly dangerous, as it becomes difficult to see the road ahead of you.
The key to staying safe is to slow down and drive carefully. When visibility is low, it is crucial that you restrict your speed, increase your following distance to reduce the risk of collisions with other vehicles or objects, and prepare for sudden stops or turns.
Remember: safety comes first! Safe driving in low-visibility conditions will protect not only yourself but everyone else on the road.
Use your low-beam headlights when driving in fog.
Fog can severely reduce visibility while driving and put you at a higher risk of being part of an accident. Keeping your low-beam headlights on is one way to improve your chances of staying safe during foggy weather.
While you might think a high beam is a better option, all that happens is the light reflects back to you, making it difficult to see what’s ahead.
Low beams provide the necessary lighting for you to see in front of you without blinding other drivers. By using your low beams, other drivers will be able to better spot your vehicle, which can help avoid collisions.
Investing in good quality fog lights can also be beneficial in ensuring that you have a clearer view of the road ahead and make yourself more visible to other vehicles on the road.
Ultimately, it’s important to drive defensively and use caution when operating your car during foggy weather, but keeping your low-beam headlights on is an easy yet important step towards safer travels.
Keep your windshield clean and clear of any debris.
Keeping your windshield clean and clear of any debris is an important part of safe driving, and when visibility is low because of fog, it becomes even more important.
When your windshield has dirt, dust, or snow on it, visibility can be drastically reduced, and you could miss a dangerous obstacle on the road. Keeping the glass clear of debris also helps to maintain visibility even in wet conditions – having debris on the windshield can act as a magnifying lens for rain droplets, obstructing important features like street signs and other drivers.
To keep your windshield clean and safe, consider using a drivable spray every few months to help repel water and debris particles. This is especially important during the winter season when salt and mud get thrown onto the glass from cars in front of you.
Don’t tailgate other cars – give yourself plenty of space in case you need to stop quickly.
Driving too close to the car ahead of you on the highway is an extremely dangerous habit. Not only do you put yourself at risk, but if you get too close and they need to suddenly stop or change directions, the outcome can be catastrophic.
When you then add fog into the equation leaving sufficient room between your car and the one in front is critical to getting home safely. It’s a simple task that only takes a few extra seconds of your time and could potentially mean the difference between an uneventful drive or being involved in an accident.
So take a few extra seconds – keep your distance, slow down, and drive safely.
If possible, pull over and wait for the fog to clear before continuing your journey.
Symptoms of exhaustion often begin to show themselves during long drives, making fog an even more hazardous driver’s distraction than usual.
To reduce the chances of an accident occurring due to low visibility, it is always safest to pull over and wait for the fog to clear before continuing your journey, if at all possible. This can be a difficult decision that may entail losing time or delaying arrival, but this will be far preferable to any potential danger while driving through dense fog.
For those planning a long car trip in potentially foggy conditions, caution is key; it is best to always allow extra time for delays so that you don’t find yourself forced into taking an unnecessary risk by staying behind the wheel.
Driving in the fog can be dangerous, but by following these simple tips, you can make sure that you reach your destination safely.
