Driving in Fog Can Lead to a Serious Accident
Fog can make it difficult to see even just a few feet in front of you, which often makes for extremely dangerous driving conditions. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, on average, fog is a contributing factor in as many as 28,533 crashes a year with an annual average of 10,448 injuries and nearly 500 deaths.
Those who have been injured in car accidents caused by another person's reckless driving during poor weather conditions, like fog, may be entitled to financial compensation for their injuries and other damages. Our Salt Lake City, UT attorney helps clients obtain the maximum settlement for their injuries. Contact our law firm today for a case evaluation.
Why Is Driving in Fog so Dangerous?
Why is driving in foggy conditions so risky? Driving in the fog makes it difficult to see, and it impacts how we perceive speed and distance.
- Fog greatly reduces visibility: Fog is an accumulation of tiny water droplets in the air, which reflect light and make it difficult to see. The denser these droplets are, the harder it is to see.
- Fog makes objects appear to move slower: Fog makes things appear to be moving slower than they really are due to a lack of visibility and lowered contrast. This distortion of speed can even make you feel like you’re not driving as fast as you are because you will not be able to judge your speed based on how fast you pass your surroundings.
- Fog can make it difficult to judge distance: Fog makes it difficult to see objects clearly as contrast is reduced and vision is cloudy. This can lead to misjudging how close or far away an object is, such as another vehicle, potentially resulting in an accident.
Tips to Avoid a Car Accident in Foggy Conditions
While the best way to prevent a car accident in foggy conditions is to avoid driving altogether, that is not always possible. When you must drive in the fog, being extra cautious and practicing these tips can help reduce the risk of an accident:
- Drive slowly: In foggy conditions, driving the speed limit can be dangerous. It's much safer drive slowly when visibility is limited to allow yourself time to react if a hazard suddenly appears in front of you.
- Drive cautiously: Use extreme caution when driving in fog. In addition to driving more slowly, be sure to keep a greater following distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you.
- Stay focused: Distracted driving is dangerous even in the best weather conditions, but is especially dangerous when visibility is seriously reduced by fog. Driving in the fog requires your full attention and focus. Avoid playing with the radio, talking to passengers, using your cell phone, or any other activities that take your full attention off of the road.
- Roll down your window: Because visibility is reduced, you will have trouble seeing other cars on the road. Rolling down your window can help you hear other vehicles on the road and give you a better sense of your surroundings.
- Do not turn on your high beams: Turning on your high beams when driving in the fog won't help you see better. This is because fog consists of small droplets of water that catch and reflect light. When the light from your high-beam headlights bounces back, it can further reduce visibility. Instead, use low-beam headlights.
- Pull over and wait for conditions to improve: When visibility is severely reduced, the best course of action is to pull off the road somewhere safe and away from traffic until conditions improve. It's better to arrive late than to risk a serious accident.
Find out More about Your Legal Rights
Driving in fog can lead to serious car accidents with life changing injuries. If you have been injured in a car accident caused by someone recklessly driving in foggy conditions, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with car accident attorney Lynn C. Harris to learn more about your legal rights.
