8 Tips for Driving in Fog
Driving in the fog can almost feel like flying through the clouds, with dense walls of moisture enveloping your car and the road ahead. Fog can make you feel alone on the road, but the opposite is often true. For every driver on the road, limited visibility raises the risk of a serious accident. To drive safely in fog, wait for conditions to improve if possible, use low-beam headlights, use hazard lights only when stopped, turn on fog lights, follow the fog line, reduce your speed, pull over in poor visibility, and avoid aggressive or distracted driving.
Why Driving in Fog Can Be Dangerous
If you live near a lake or coastline, you've probably experienced fog before. Fog commonly occurs near bodies of water in the early and late hours of the day. In a nutshell, fog represents the formation of clouds near the ground rather than thousands of feet up in the sky.
Because fog is essentially a land-bound cloud, it can quickly change as weather conditions fluctuate. For instance, fog can get thicker without warning and further reduce visibility. In many cases, fog can shorten the sight picture of your surroundings, from gazing out at the horizon to seeing only a few feet away from your vehicle.
If you were walking and encountered fog, it likely wouldn't be too big of an issue since you can control your speed. However, approaching thick fog with a speeding vehicle, even at low speeds of 35 or 40 miles per hour, could potentially cause an accident that involves not just you and another car but a chain of vehicles that aren't able to see the road ahead of them well enough to brake or avoid the impending crash scene. Fog can also create optical illusions that spell similar disaster.
The dangers of fog include reduced depth perception, lack of contrast when viewing objects, and the inability to navigate the road ahead without extreme caution. Safe driving techniques stress situational awareness and scanning your surroundings while behind the wheel in both offensive and defensive driving approaches. A lack of a contrasting element can make seeing what's ahead on the road even more challenging, especially if your field of view extends less than ten feet from your driving position.
8 Tips for Driving in Fog
Even if you don't live near an area that typically gets fog, adding to your skillset can help you become a better driver should you find yourself in the fog somewhere down the line. The following tips help you safely navigate fog for a safer journey, regardless of where you live.
1. Wait it Out
Sometimes, knowing if conditions are foggy is challenging unless you venture out. However, you can set up most weather apps to deliver fog alerts for your area if they don't already. If you get a fog warning on your phone and you don't have to go out within the next hour or two, it's best to avoid getting behind the wheel. You need to be alert and ready to react or stop rapidly if you do, so if that presents a challenge, hang up your keys for the time being.
2. Rely on Your Low-Beam Headlights
Drivers often mistake the presence of fog as an indication they need to use their high-beam headlights. Your low-beam headlights and fog lights are the most effective option in these conditions. Any light you shine on the fog will reflect in the water droplets in the air, similar to a mirror.
It's a good rule of thumb to turn on your low-beam headlights whenever there's any kind of weather. Your headlights will tell other drivers where you are and how fast you're approaching if you're moving. Keep your headlights clean to ensure they're bright.
3. Know When to Use Your Hazard Lights
As tempting as it might be to put your hazard lights on while driving in the fog, other drivers may mistake your trepidation in navigating the conditions as an indication of a stopped vehicle. Only use your hazards after you've safely pulled off the road and come to a complete stop. Never, ever stop on the road for any reason, even if it's just for a few seconds.
4. Turn on Your Fog Lights
Most modern vehicles are equipped with a set of front fog lights, but may also have rear fog lights. Check your owner's manual to review how they work and how to turn them on. If you find yourself in foggy weather, press the corresponding button to shed light on the situation.
Depending on regulations in your state, consider installing yellow light bulbs or a yellow-colored covering over your fog lights. This type of light cuts through the fog and allows your eye some contrast to better distinguish depth. Reference your owner's manual to learn how to replace your existing fog light with a yellow one.
5. Mind the Fog Line
Did you know that the white line on the right edge of the road is called the "fog line?" If you're having trouble keeping to your lane, place that line in your peripheral vision and navigate by it. Choosing this as a reference point will keep your vehicle from veering into oncoming traffic or losing your way.
6. Adjust Your Speed
When driving in the fog, avoid speeding and cruise control. Increase your braking distance and make a mental note to brake earlier than you normally would. As you drive, periodically check the speedometer to ensure you maintain your speed (at or below the speed limit).
7. Pull Over in Poor Visibility Conditions
Poor visibility can make a dangerous situation go from bad to worse. If you can't confidently see more than 10 feet in front of your vehicle, pull over at the nearest parking lot or rest stop. Never use the vehicle's tail lights in front of you as a guide, as they may not know where they're going.
8. Avoid Aggressive or Distracted Driving
Avoid sudden maneuvers as you drive through the dense fog, such as passing slow-moving vehicles. Minimize distractions and roll the window down to hear approaching cars or emergency vehicles. Put your windshield wipers and defroster to work, clearing the windows of condensation to maximize visibility.
Clearing the Air Regarding Driving in the Fog
Approaching a wall of fog can cause any driver's heartbeat to quicken, regardless of their driving experience. As you appreciate the wonder of fog and low-lying cloud formations, remember these tips to safely arrive at your destination. With practice and preparation, you can navigate foggy conditions with confidence and arrive safely at your destination.
If fog or any other hazard causes damage to your vehicle, Crash Champions is here to help. Find your nearest Crash Champions location to schedule a free estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to use high-beam headlights in fog?
No. High beams reflect off the water droplets in fog and reduce your visibility further. Use your low-beam headlights and fog lights instead, as they direct light downward onto the road where you need it most.
When should you pull over in fog?
If you cannot see more than 10 feet in front of your vehicle, find the nearest parking lot or rest stop and pull over until conditions improve. Avoid stopping on the road or shoulder, as other drivers may not see you in time.
Should you use hazard lights while driving in fog?
No. Other drivers may mistake your flashing hazards for a stopped vehicle. Only activate your hazard lights after you have safely pulled off the road and come to a complete stop.
The information in this article is provided for educational purposes and may not reflect every situation. While we strive for accuracy, this content is general guidance, not a substitute for visiting your local collision repair provider. For questions about your specific vehicle or repair needs, contact your local Crash Champions team.
