6 tips for driving in the fog
Foggy road with truck approaching
As we enter into the cooler months, we also enter fog season, which starts in the fall and ends in early spring. Driving in the fog can be tough to navigate, so we wanted to go over some dos and don’ts to help keep you safe.

First off… How does fog form?

Fog forms when there’s higher levels of humidity and likely occurs at dusk or near dawn (commuter hours), when the temperature for that day is the lowest.

Before a foggy drive:

  • Make sure your windshield fluid is topped up
  • Consider a car wash so that your windows are clear (or wipe them down the next time you stop at a gas station)
  • Double check that your headlights are working properly (sometimes they become dim and we get used to them like that)

During a foggy drive:

  1. Slow down and leave plenty of space between you and the car ahead of you. With limited visibility, you want to make sure you’re not following too closely. In the same breath, try not to slam on your brakes as this might not give the person behind you enough time to react.
  2. Make sure your windshield is clear – use your wipers and defrosters so that you’re making it easier to see with the fog.
  3. Don’t use your high-beams, they can reflect off the water droplets in the air making it harder to see. Use your fog lights (which light up the ground in front of you) or your low-beam/regular headlights. 
  4. Patience is key – avoid passing other drivers when it’s foggy. It’s hard to gauge the distance of oncoming traffic, and you might not be able to see them until it’s too late.
  5. Try not to use the tail lights of the car in front of you as a guide to see. It can be dangerous to narrow your focus to what’s right in front of you. Use the lines on the right side of the road to guide you if the fog is really dense.
  6. If you need to pull over, give yourself extra room on the right side to be mindful of other cars that might not see you. It’s also important to use your hazards (even if you’re just pulled over to look at directions or to make a phone call).

Even when you take all precautionary measures into consideration, accidents can still happen. The good news is your collision and comprehensive coverage should cover the damage from any fender-benders that might occur on a foggy drive.

 

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