Tips for Driving in Fog or Smoke

Image:

Are you a new or inexperienced driver? If you live in an area that has nearly perfect weather conditions year-round, you might think you’ll never need to learn how to drive in adverse conditions. You’ve probably seen articles like how to drive safely in rain, storms or snow, but you’ve probably never thought about how to drive in fog or smoke. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, more than 38,700 vehicle crashes occur in fog. Over 600 people are killed and more than 16,300 people are injured in these crashes annually. Here are some suggestions that may help you avoid becoming one of these statistics.

• First and foremost, slow down. Also, leave plenty of room between you and the car in front of you.
• Use your headlights –this will mean your taillights will also be on, making you more visible to the cars in front of you and behind you. Next, don’t use your brights! Doing so causes glare and intensifies conditions, making it harder to see.
• Use your fog lights if your can has them.
• Use windshield wipers and defrosters, if needed. Sometimes moisture or ice can accompany fog, creating glare. Wipers and defrosters can help give you a clearer view.
• Don’t use cruise control—you never know what’s lurking in the fog.
• Try to use the lines on the sides of the road to make sure you’re staying in your lane instead of using the taillights of the car in front of you as a guide.
• If the fog or smoke is too heavy, find a place like a parking lot to pull into. If one isn’t available, pull over and turn your hazard lights on.

Hopefully you won’t encounter these types of conditions while driving, but chances are you will at some point in your life. We hope when the time comes you can remember these tips to stay safe on the road.

• Driving in Winter

  

  Fog usually happens in fall, and winter’s not far behind. Here are some tips for winter driving.

  Get Tips

• Driving During a Storm

  

  Spring can bring storms—including hail and tornadoes. Here’s what to do if you get caught in one while driving.

  What to Do

• Driving in the Rain

  

  Driving in the rain is far less dangerous than driving in a storm or in harsh winter conditions, but you still need to take precautions.

  Take Precautions