Safety tips: Driving during foggy conditions

Safety tips: fog
Driving during foggy conditions

Foggy conditions in the roads. Drive safely, use low beams, high beams reflect more light, obstructing visibility more.

Foggy conditions on the roads. Drive safely, and use low beams, high beams reflect more light, obstructing visibility more.

Late-winter weather can sometimes bring dense fog, causing visibility to drop.

Fog can develop anywhere in the United States and there are 6 types of fog: Radiational, advection, steam, upslope, precipitation, and freezing fog.

The most common type of fog is radiation or radiational fog. It forms at night and dawn when air temperature hits its lowest value and the temperature and dew point meet. Most of the time the sky is clear, and if the ground is moist, it is easier for the cloud to form near the surface, becoming denser.

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Fog can obstruct visibility, making driving particularly dangerous. Here are some tips to consider if you are driving and encountering foggy conditions.

Reduce your speed.

Limit distractions.

Do not use cruise control.

Use wipers and defrosters.

Use low beams (high beams reflect off the fog, worsening visibility).

Increase your distance from cars traveling ahead of you.

Beware of animals on the roads, like deer.

Do not use your emergency lights unless you are stopped safely on the side of the road. In many states using your emergency lights while driving is illegal.

If you need to stop, make sure to pull away from the road and turn your emergency lights on.

Irene Sans

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