Fog is one of the most common causes for car accidents in the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, there are more than 38,000 vehicle crashes per year due to foggy conditions. With that, more than 16,000 people are injured or pass away due to their injuries from driving in fog. Here, Doug Yates Towing & Recovery discusses eight helpful driving tips to keep you safe while driving in dangerous fog.
Driving Tips For Driving In Fog
Slow Down
Fog is so dangerous because you can’t see a fair distance in front of you. When fog is present, it is best to reduce your speed in case a stopped or slower car comes at you fast. Use your speedometer as a guide to regulate your speed. Thick fog masks the sensation of speed by removing visual indicators of velocity. Slow down and drive safe.
Use low-beam headlights
When visibility is restricted, a driver’s natural tendency is to activate the high-beam on their vehicle. When driving in fog, high-beams actually further impair visibility because the high-beam illumination reflects off of the fog and back at your vehicle. Use low-beam lights because they won’t reflect and make it harder to see.
Use Fog Lights
If your vehicle has front fog lights, use them. They can help illuminate the road and make your vehicle more visible. Some vehicles are equipped with rear fog lights, which help motorists who are following you to see your vehicle from a greater distance. If you have them, use them.
Use the right-side pavement line as a guide
In thick fog it can be difficult to see the center of the road. Use the white line painted on the right side of the road as a visual guide. Do not use the center pavement markings, because doing so will guide you to move closer to oncoming vehicles. The outer white lines will keep you a little further apart from traffic going the opposite way and reduce the likelihood of an accident.
Do Not Stop
When you cannot see where you are going, a natural reaction is to reduce speed or even stop. In fog, DO NOT stop on the road. This is incredibly dangerous and can cause a fatal accident. Find a safe place to pull over that is as far away from traffic as possible and turn off your lights. If you can’t get off the road at a significant distance turn on your flashers to give yourself more of a chance to be seen.
Do Not accelerate
Don’t try and ‘lose’ the person close to you. This can actually be more dangerous and cause an accident. Stick to a safe, reasonable speed limit in the fog, even if other drivers don’t. The safer you are the better. Avoid high speeds and be safe.
Don’t Use Cruise Control
Foggy roads can have surprises waiting, and it is best to maintain complete control of your car. The last thing you want is to come upon a stopped or slow vehicle at high speed and not have enough reaction time to stop.
Utilize windshield wipers and defrosters
Moisture and ice on your windshield can create glare, which can make it even very difficult to see. Give yourself the best view possible by clearing off your windshield completely. Be sure to utilize your defrosters as well. Use cold air when turning on the defroster to cool down the temperature inside the car and reduce moisture. Always keep these car features in good working condition. Fog can creep up quickly, so it’s especially important to use them in a pinch.
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Doug Yates Towing and Recovery is located in the city limits of Chattanooga, one of Tennessee’s most vibrant business communities. Since 1946 it has been the company’s mission to conduct business with integrity and professionalism in all phases of day-to-day services. We offer 24/7 towing and recovery services for all motorists and vehicle types during Thanksgiving travel. Our team of tow truck technicians will help get your vehicle wherever it needs to be safely and securely. You can count on us for all your towing & recovery needs. Give us a call today!
