Tips for Driving in Fog

Fog is a common issue that many drivers experience, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of driving. Because of the decreased visibility, knowing the proper steps to take when faced with fog while driving is vital. Fog is most likely to occur at night time or around dawn. This is because of the low temperature; the water becomes vapor because of the colder temperature and creates fog. Cold temperatures often present drivers with new risks, so it is always important to acknowledge changing temperatures and surroundings while driving. With winter bringing cold weather, there are many steps you can take to make sure your car is ready for the low temperatures and whatever the winter has in store. When foggy conditions arise, it is essential to acknowledge the change in visibility and adjust your focus and driving accordingly.

Minimize Distractions:

Whether turning down your music or putting away your cell phone, it is important to reduce any additional distractions. Because your vision is limited by fog, all of your focus should be on the road to provide yourself with an advantage.

Slow Down:

Reducing your speed will help with your ability to see and avoid an accident. With a slower pace, you can notice and react to oncoming danger if needed more quickly and effectively. Because you are driving with low visibility, it is essential to avoid high speeds, increasing your risk of an accident. Slower speeds are important as fog makes it difficult to see some of the visual indicators of speed, so it is crucial to make a conscious effort to lower your speed.

Keep Moving:

With the reduced visibility that accompanies fog, many drivers find themselves wanting to pull over or stop. It is essential to keep moving as other drivers on the road may not be able to tell that you are stopped. Maintaining a slow and cautious speed is the best way to maneuver through heavy fog with the least risk. If you do find yourself within the fog that you are unable to or do not feel safe driving within, there are a couple of valuable precautions to keep in mind. First, locate a secure location to pull over, ideally not on a busy roadway or curved street. Once you have found a safe location, pull into the area and turn on your hazards, to notify other drivers of your location. Parking lots or different safe pullover zones are the best option to guarantee you and your car's safety. If the only place to pull over is on a busy roadway, it is essential to have your hazards on and remain in your vehicle until you feel safe enough to drive.

Use Low Beam Headlights:

Low beam headlights are better for driving in foggy conditions because of their downward angle and lower intensity. These aspects create less glare compared to brighter headlights that reduce visibility.

Use Fog Lights:

Fog lights are meant to be used in heavy fog, mist, snow, or any other situation that presents reduced visibility. They are mounted lower on the vehicle because fog does not settle on the road. Mounted below your normal daytime running lights, the fog lights can illuminate the roadway because they are placed below where the fog settles. Depending on your vehicle, you may have front fog lights and rear fog lights. Front fog lights help illuminate your path and enable you to see the roadway more clearly. Rear fog lights help drivers behind you notice your vehicle from a greater distance, despite the fog.

Avoid Using your High Beams:

High beam headlights are more intense than fog lights or low beam headlights. Because of the intensity, High Beams will not help you see in fog; instead, the light will catch the water droplets that make up the fog and reflect the light back to you. The light-reflecting will further reduce your visibility and put you and your vehicle at risk. Therefore, avoiding using the high beams on your car is very important, as it will reduce your risk of an accident.

Keep your Headlights on:

Daytime running lights or fog lights are essential to always have on when driving in fog. No matter the time of day, when operating in thick fog, it is necessary to have your headlights on at all times. Your headlights will help you see the road and what is in front of you and enable other drivers to see you, your headlights, and your tail lights. Making sure that you are visible to other vehicles on the road is a significant step to help reduce your risk of an accident.

Roll Down your Car Windows:

Rolling down the windows on your vehicle will enable you to hear sounds outside of the car better. Whether it is another car, an emergency vehicle, or something else, it is essential to be aware of other sounds. In addition, heightening your hearing is a valuable way to counteract the reduced visibility that the fog causes.

Use the Right Edge of the Road:

Using the right edge of the road as a marker will help you stay within the lines of the road. Hugging the right edge of the road also reduces the risk of collision. By staying away from the middle line, you are staying further away from oncoming traffic, which is valuable in the fog because of the reduced visibility. The road's right edge provides a more significant distance and a diminished chance of collision with other vehicles.

Use Roadside Reflectors:

In thick fog, roadside reflectors will be your best friend. Whether there are reflectors on the roadway to indicate lanes or located on signs, these reflectors will benefit you even in thick fog. With reduced visibility, reflectors can still be found on roadways and are important trackers for your location on the road and vital road signs.

Heavy fog creates a very unpredictable and dangerous atmosphere for driving. It is crucial to remember all of these safety precautions if you find yourself in a situation where heavy fog has created a hazard within your drive. Condensation occurs most commonly at dawn and night because of the lower temperatures present at these times but can occur at any time. Therefore, it is always imperative to be aware of changing conditions while driving to ensure that you can adapt to the new conditions that are presenting themselves. Stay safe driving in unpredictable weather conditions by being knowledgeable and prepared.

Being prepared is an essential part of driving. Whether maintaining your vehicle or learning how to manage unexpected situations, Wrench has you covered! Book an appointment online today with Wrench for maintenance or repair to make sure you are prepared for whatever weather conditions you may encounter.