Five Things A Driver Should Do When Driving In The Fog
If you’ve ever driven on a foggy road, you need no further explanation as to why driving and fog don’t mix. The thicker the fog, the more difficult it is for drivers to see and navigate the road. This significantly increases the chances of hitting objects, other vehicles, and pedestrians. Even mildly thick fogs can be a risk to you and your passengers. Without exercising proper caution, it can trigger a chain reaction with other vehicles.
While fog is often temporary, it is unsuitable for driving because it distorts perception and disrupts one’s field of vision. Although it can be challenging to drive in fog, there are a few ways to go about it safely, which we’ll discuss in the sections below.
What Causes Fog And Why Drivers Need to Be Cautious On Foggy Roads?
As water condenses, a substantial quantity of tiny water droplets is left suspended in the air. These water particles in the air form thick or thin layers of fog which considerably limit our field of vision. Although fog usually occurs in humid temperatures, it can also happen when there’s some kind of pollution in the air.
This pollution can be in the form of dust, and some instances, salt particles in the air, although the latter is only possible in areas with large bodies of water like an ocean. You’ll likely have to drive through foggy roads frequently if you reside near a lake or river.
It’s not always easy to drive in fog, no matter how much of an experienced driver you are. This is because it distorts road visibility, significantly increasing the chances of drivers bumping into each other or pedestrians. Driving in thick fog is almost as dangerous as driving in a rainstorm.
Tips For Driving In Fog
Whenever you encounter fog while driving, relax, as there are a few precautions that should help get you to your destination safely.
1. Drive Slowly And Stay Focused On The Road
When driving in fog, it’s typical to see vehicles and objects only when you’ve gotten considerably close to them. This is why driving slowly is crucial, as it will allow you to spot oncoming cars and other obstacles. Also, the space between you and the vehicles behind and in front of you will drastically increase response time.
2. Low Beam Lights
High beam headlights aren’t necessary when driving in fog as the fog reflects the light back to you and your visibility suffers more. With your low beam headlights on, other drivers can spot you easily and you can see the road well enough to drive safely at low speeds.
When driving on foggy roads, always ensure that your headlights stay on regardless of what time of day it is. Also, it’s not necessary to use high beam lights at night.
3. Switch On Your Defroster and Deactivate Cruise Control
It’s essential to keep your defroster on and use your windshield wipers when driving in the fog.
Keep in mind that driving in foggy conditions at night with your windshield defroster deactivated is even more dangerous.
4. Maintain A Safe Following Distance From Other Drivers
It’s best to have some space between your vehicle and other vehicles in foggy weather conditions. A greater distance between your vehicle and other cars in dangerous conditions like heavy fog can significantly increase your reaction time.
5. Keep An Eye Out For The Fog Lights Of Other Vehicles
Unlike the hazard lights of vehicles in front, which are easy to spot, it can be hard to notice the fog lights of cars coming behind us while driving in foggy weather.
This is why it’s essential to avoid speeding through dense fog, as it will give you enough time to pay close attention to vehicle lights behind you.
What Are The Dangers Of Driving On Foggy Roads?
Fog makes it very difficult to see road signs, nearby vehicles, and pedestrians crossing the road. This increases the risk of being involved in a car crash threefold compared to when you can adequately navigate without the interference of fog.
Car pileup incidents are and have always been an issue due to the occurrence of fogs. There have been past cases involving as many as 86 cars in a pileup because of foggy driving conditions. These chain reactions prove just how difficult it can be to navigate through very dense fog.
Conclusion
Unlike driving under heavy rainfall, which often leads to accidents due to delayed brake systems, car crashes can occur when driving in foggy conditions simply because drivers are unable to see things in their proximity. However, using our tips for driving in fog, you’ll increase your chances of having a safe and uneventful driving experience.
