Fog creates dangerous driving conditions. It reduces visibility, makes it hard to spot hazards, and it becomes difficult for a driver to judge distance. The unusual weather condition can create optical illusions. Drivers may misjudge their own speed or have a hard time determining if other cars are moving.
Fog is a cloud formation near the surface of the earth. It's common near lakes and the coastline in the morning or evening. It can form at other times and other places. Check your local weather forecast before driving.
When possible, do not drive in foggy conditions. Dense or light fog is a major cause of accidents, including pile-ups. If you cannot avoid driving in fog, here are some tips to ensure safe driving.
Slow down and drive patiently
- Fog lowers visibility. You may not see objects in front of you until they are too close. Reduce your speed, and increase the following distance to give yourself more time to react. Avoid bunching up near other cars, even if it feels like it improves visibility.
- Do not use cruise control and be prepared to brake quickly.
- Be sure to check your speedometer regularly. Fog can create the optical illusion of driving slowly. This causes many drivers to speed up. Don't rely on your eyesight, but check the speedometer instead.
- Be patient while driving in foggy weather. Brake slowly to give other vehicles a chance to react. Turn on your signal lights early to provide plenty of notice. As the road is obscured, avoid passing other cars.