Did you know the Golden Gate Bridge’s “International Orange” color was chosen, in part, because of its visibility in the fog? The Golden Gate Bridge also has foghorns that warn San Franciscans when the fog is rolling in to envelop the city. Fog is so famous in San Francisco that the locals even named it Karl. Fog season in the Bay Area is typically April to October but can appear in any month. Driving in fog can be very dangerous. Fog drastically reduces visibility, making it difficult to see other vehicles, road signs, or potential hazards.
How to Drive Safely in Dense Fog
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, over 38,700 motor vehicle accidents occur in fog each year. These crashes result in over 16,300 injuries and 600 fatalities annually. Here are safety tips to help you navigate dense fog safely and avoid accidents.
1. Wait It Out
Check the weather forecast before you drive. If it’s foggy, it’s typically best to wait for it to pass or become less dense. If you must drive, allow extra time to reach your destination.
If you need to stop, ensure you pull to a safe location, like a rest stop or a parking lot, and wait for the fog to clear. Visibility in dense fog can drop to near zero in a matter of seconds, making it nearly impossible to see road hazards or other vehicles.
2. Avoid Distractions and Stay Alert
Driving in fog requires your full attention. It’s crucial to avoid distractions that could distract you from the road. Put away your phone and limit unnecessary conversations with passengers. Ensure you’re always scanning the road ahead and around you for vehicles, signs, and potential hazards.
Fog can also distort sounds, so it’s wise to reduce background noise inside the vehicle, such as music or loud conversations, to better hear what’s happening outside. Stay alert to subtle changes in light or movement ahead, as this could indicate another vehicle or a turn in the road.
3. Reduce Your Speed
One of the most important rules for driving safely in dense fog is to reduce your speed and drive slower than the posted speed limit. Fog reduces visibility and reaction time, so driving at a slower speed gives you more time to assess the road ahead and react to any sudden changes, like an obstacle or another car braking.
It’s common for drivers to feel they are moving slower than they actually are when visibility is reduced, so be sure to check your speedometer frequently. Also, remember that stopping distances can increase in foggy conditions due to slick roads or moisture accumulation, so slower speeds help mitigate that risk.
4. Drive With Low Beams and Fog Lights
When driving in fog, it is essential to use your low-beam headlights or fog lights rather than high-beam headlights. High-beam lights can reflect off the fog and create glare, reducing visibility. Low-beam lights, on the other hand, are angled downward and help illuminate the road surface without causing as much glare.
If your vehicle is equipped with fog lamps, use them in addition to your low beams. Fog lights are specifically designed to cut through mist and improve visibility.
5. Use Your Windshield Wipers
Windshield wipers help clear the glass even if it is not raining. Turn them on their lowest setting and let them run until the fog is gone.
6. Increase Your Following Distance
In normal conditions, a three-second gap between you and the car in front is usually sufficient, but in fog, you should increase this distance to at least five or six seconds. This gives you more time to react if the vehicle in front brakes suddenly or if an obstacle appears.
Fog can make it harder to judge distances, so err on the side of caution and give yourself plenty of room to slow down if necessary. The increased distance also reduces the risk of a multi-car pileup, which can be common in foggy conditions.
7. Don’t Use Cruise Control
Using cruise control in dense fog is dangerous because it reduces your ability to react quickly to changing road conditions. Cruise control keeps your vehicle at a constant speed, which is risky when visibility is reduced. In foggy conditions, speeds may need to be adjusted frequently due to visibility issues, sharp turns, or sudden obstacles.
Cruise control can delay your reaction time, as you must first deactivate it before slowing down. Keeping full control of your vehicle’s speed is critical, so avoid using cruise control entirely until the fog has cleared.
8. Signal Early When Changing Lanes
Reduced visibility makes it harder for other drivers to see your vehicle, so giving them advanced notice of your intentions is crucial. Use your turn signals well in advance of any lane change, turn, or merge to alert those behind you.
Be aware that other drivers may also struggle to see, so proceed cautiously and ensure you have enough space before executing any maneuvers. The more predictable your actions, the safer the roads will be for everyone.
How to Pull Over Safely in Dense Fog
If driving conditions become too hazardous, knowing how to pull over safely is vital. Use roadside reflectors as a guide. The markings can help you navigate twists and turns.
Avoid stopping on the side of the road, as other drivers may not see you and could rear-end your vehicle. Find a safe area to stop where you can be completely off the road.
Once you have safely pulled over, set the emergency brake and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. Remain in your vehicle, as stepping out can put you at risk of being struck by passing traffic. Only continue driving once visibility improves enough to do so safely.
We Represent Car Accident Victims
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident caused by another person’s negligence, it’s crucial to consult with a San Francisco car accident lawyer. Car accidents in foggy conditions can be complicated. Liability can sometimes be difficult to establish due to reduced visibility. However, if another driver was negligent by speeding, failing to use proper lights, or driving distracted, you may have a strong claim.
At Golden State Accident Lawyers, our experienced personal injury attorneys maintain a 99% success rate and have recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients. We can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve to cover medical bills, lost wages, and more. Call us for a free consultation to discuss your case.