7 Safety Tips for Driving in the Fog

Every change in weather presents its own set of challenges to drivers. Foggy weather is no different. 

Any amount of fog means reduced visibility, slippery roads, and other hazards.

If you’re driving in the fog, you might as well be driving blindfolded. Sometimes it gets so thick you can’t see more than a few meters ahead, and that’s nowhere near safe at all.

This post highlights some of the most reliable safety tips when things turn gray. 

1. Headlights On!

The best way to look at it is that headlights are your eyes when your vision is compromised. If you have them on at night, you need them on during the fog. It would be a grave error to drive in the fog without your headlights.

Make sure your headlights are on for enhanced visibility until the weather passes. The headlights will allow you to see what is ahead and help plan your reaction time. You will also enable those behind you to notice your brake lights. 

One thing, though, when using headlights, avoid high beams as it’s a huge safety risk. The glare created by the high beam lights makes it hard to see what is ahead. Stick to low beam lights, and if possible, get fog lights for a safer drive. 

2. Watch out for Foot Traffic

With limited visibility, the risk of crashing into another vehicle, a roadside object, or pedestrians is high. If you can avoid roads or streets with a lot of foot traffic, do so to improve safety.

If you’re cycling or riding a motorbike, avoid veering near sidewalks. The risks are even higher for scooter users, who often use sidewalks in populated urban areas. This poses a danger at any time but more so during visibility-limiting weather like fog.

Side note: reach out to a scooter accident attorney if you’re injured while safely using the sidewalk.

3. Keep Distance

Decreased visibility and slippery roads mean longer breaking time, especially for heavy trucks. 

You should observe an increased following distance whenever you drive in the fog.

Usually, you’re required to leave a two to three-second gap between you and the next driver. Considering you’re no longer driving under normal conditions, allowing a much bigger space between you and the vehicle ahead is important. 

Keeping adequate distance will guarantee sufficient reaction time in case of sudden stops, maneuvers, or changes in the traffic pattern.

4. Slow Down

In the presence of fog, slow down.

Reaching your destination may take longer than you’d like, but safety first.

When things turn gray, you will see objects in front of you later than you normally would. That affects your reaction time. Lowering your speed helps put more distance between you and the next driver and allows you to respond safely.

Basically, drive as slow as you can. Make sure you’re slow enough to come to an instant stop.

Always keep your eye on the speedometer because you probably won’t be able to judge your speed well. You could be accelerating without knowing. 

5. Watch the Edge of the Road

When driving in the fog, you can’t see that far ahead, even with the assistance of low-beam lights and fog lights.

While focusing ahead is crucial, immediate danger lurks at the edge of the road. Make sure to watch the right side of your vehicle to maintain awareness of the edges because if you lose track of the edge, you risk running off the roadway.

6. Eliminate Distractions

As a driver, you must always be alert on the road. 

The stakes are even higher when driving in foggy weather. You have to take note of oncoming cars, avoid tailgating, watch out for sudden turns, and many more adjustments.

Such a focus and adjustment to the weather change demands absolute attention. Eliminate distractions. Turn off your radio, keep away from your phone and ask the passengers to keep things down.  

7. Don’t stop on the road

It’s never advisable to drive in the fog. But when you do, make sure you don’t stop on the side of the road unless it’s an emergency.

Pulling over on the roadside during low visibility puts you and other motorists in danger. If you must stop, find a safe space like a motel or petrol station and pull over.

In the case of an emergency, make sure you switch off your tail lights so other motorists don’t think you are in a lane of travel. 

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Conclusion

As a driver, you need to be flexible enough to adjust your driving to the changing conditions. Remember, foggy weather increases the risk of accidents. You’re better off not driving in the fog at all. 

But if you must, ensure you observe safety procedures for driving in the fog.