Weather.com reports that there were approximately 1.3 million weather-related accidents between the years of 2002 to 2012. The number of accidents caused specifically by fog during this time period is estimated at 31,385 crashes, 511 deaths and 11,812 injuries.
Clearly precaution needs to be taken when driving in these dangerous foggy conditions. So here are some tips to keep in mind next time you’re driving through fog or mist:
- Slow down. When heavy fog rolls in, you should certainly not drive above the speed limit. You should actually go slower and make certain there’s extra distance between you and the car in front of you. Always allow more time to get to your destination on foggy mornings.
- Turn on lights. To make your vehicle more visible during foggy conditions, be sure to turn on your headlights – even during the day. Don’t use your brights because this will create a glare which will make it more difficult for you to see ahead and blind other drivers. Watch for others cars that may not have their lights on.
- Use hazards. In dense fog conditions, you may need to use your hazards. Pull over if necessary and wait for better conditions.
- Never stop. On no circumstances should you stop in the middle of the road unnecessarily. Fog makes it more difficult for people to see you. Slow down and safely pull over to the side of the road if you need to stop.
- Watch the right side. Use the right side of the pavement as a guide for you to follow. Using the middle line may cause you to get too close to oncoming traffic.
- Limit distractions. Avoiding distractions should always be something you do when driving, but especially during poor weather conditions. Keep your mind focused on the road and other vehicles at all times.
Fog conditions greatly reduce visibility and distorts your perception. It’s vital to use extreme caution to avoid unnecessary accidents.