How to Safely Drive in Foggy Conditions

For a lot of people, the proper precautions to take while driving in foggy conditions can be ambiguous or unclear. Below are some good tips to implement when venturing into these hazardous conditions:

1. Be Aware of Local Weather Conditions. Fog is often a morning or evening weather phenomena, so if possible, avoid driving during these times. Also be aware of local areas that tend to accumulate fog, like certain seaside areas, and other low-lying areas near lakes and rivers.

2. Allow More Distance Between Vehicles. Increase your count distance by 5 seconds instead of the normal 2 seconds behind another vehicle. Never rush or speed to get out of the fog.

3. Use caution at all times. The moisture in the air may continuously collect on the windshield, making it more difficult to see. Adjust the defroster and windshield wiper speed as necessary.

4. Use fog lights or driving lights (if equipped). Many vehicles have fog or driving lights that were installed at the factory. These lights are usually mounted low, in or below the front bumper. The beam of light created by fog lights is usually wide and flat pattern; flat to stay close the road surface and minimize reflection back by fog – and wide to better illuminate the sides of the roadway (guard rails, curbs, lines painted on the roadway, etc.). Do not shut off the running or “parking” lights, as they help make your vehicle more visible to other drivers alongside and behind your vehicle.

5. Use your low beams. The visibility in front of you will sharply decrease in a fog, so use the vehicle’s low beam lights (if the vehicle does not have fog lights or driving lights). Heavy fog conditions prohibit use of high beam headlights. The light from high beam headlights will be reflected back by thick fog. As fog thins, high beams can become more effective.

6. Use the right edge of the road as a guide. This can help you avoid running into oncoming traffic or being blinded by oncoming headlights.

To speak to a Miami Traffic Lawyer, call Hocman & Goldin PA at 305-665-1000.

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