Roswold Law Group Blog

Driving In The Fog

This weekend, there was a massive pile up on I-35 South bound in Franklin County, Kansas involving at least thirty vehicles. One person was killed and many were injured. Major contributing factors included dense fog and black ice that formed as a result of the heavy fog.

Although fog is a common weather occurrence, it seems that drivers do not know what causes it and they often fail to take practical steps that can help them drive safely in the fog.

In a nutshell, fog is a cloud formed at ground level made up of tiny water droplets suspended in the air. It forms when the air temperature drops to the dew point and the water vapor condenses to form suspended droplets of water.

Heavy fog can reduce visibility substantially. A Dense Fog Advisory means that fog has reduced visibility to less than ¼ of a mile and obviously this creates very hazardous driving conditions.

The best advice for driving in fog is DON’T. If you can’t postpone your trip, here are some tips for driving in heavy fog:

• Slow down and watch your speedometer. Fog creates an illusion of traveling in slow motion when you might really be speeding;
• Drive at a slow, constant speed. Do not speed up and slow down;
• Drive with your lights on low beam;
• Use fog lights if your car is equipped with them;
• Turn on your safety flashers;
• Use your wipers and defroster as necessary;
• Increase your following distance between vehicles
• Listen for traffic you may not be able to see;
• Use the right edge of the road, other painted road markings and reflectors as a guide;
• Be patient, do not pass other vehicles;
• Be ready for emergency stops due to vehicles ahead;
• Watch out for slow moving or parked vehicles;
• Signal early and avoid sudden stops;
• Do not stop on an interstate or freeway. If you become disabled, be sure your flashers are on. Move away from the vehicle to avoid injury.

Above all, relax and focus on driving safely. Ultimately, it may be wise to simply stop in a safe location and let the fog clear.