Heavy fog is one of the most dangerous driving conditions that you could encounter. Heavy fog can make it impossible to see even a few feet in front of your vehicle, and it can also make the roads damp and slick. If the temperature is near freezing, the fog might make bridges and overpasses slick with ice as well.
It always is a good idea to stay off the roads when the fog is thick and heavy. If that is impossible to do, then the following safety tips could help you avoid a car accident in foggy conditions.
Do Not Use Your High Beams
It is natural to want to turn on your headlights and use the brightest setting to try to see the road better when it is foggy. Unfortunately, thick and heavy fog usually reflects the lights back at you. It could be blinding or disorienting for other drivers.
If you have fog lights, you should use them instead of your headlights. Fog lights help illuminate the roadway. If you do not have fog lights, your vehicle’s low beams can help make it easier to see the road.
Increase Following Distance
In good weather conditions, you want to maintain at least two car lengths or so between the front of your vehicle and the rear bumper of the vehicle ahead. You should double that following distance when driving in heavy fog or other dangerous weather conditions.
You want to be far enough back that you can react safely if the vehicle in front of you slows down or comes to a stop. If possible, you should try to follow at a distance that enables you to still see the vehicle ahead or at least its brake lights.
Turn Off Cruise Control
Cruise control is dangerous to use in heavy fog. You need to adjust your speed as needed to drive safely. Cruise control could lead to driving too fast for the conditions.
Look at the Reflectors
Heavy fog can make it difficult to see the center lane markings, especially if the driver of an oncoming vehicle is using bright headlights. Fortunately, many roads have reflectors mounted along the center line and a white stripe along the right side to mark your lane and the road’s shoulder. Reflectors also might be positioned on the outer edge to make it easier to see where you are going.
Lightly Tap the Brakes
Your brake lights are important for warning vehicles that are behind you when you intend to slow down or stop. Instead of pressing the pedal one time while slowing or stopping, you should tap the brakes to cause the brake lights to flash a couple of times. That will warn anyone behind you that you are slowing down.
Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC Offer Legal Advice to Those Who Have Been Injured in Weather-Related Accidents
If you have been injured in a weather-related accident, you can get legal help from one of our experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC. Call us at 215-569-8488 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia and Abington, Pennsylvania, as well as Wilmington, Delaware, we serve clients throughout the surrounding areas.