Driving Safely in Fog
Fog probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when contemplating weather conditions that can affect drivers when conditions such as rain and snow are also potential factors. However, when it comes to driving in fog, mistakes or errors can easily happen even with the most experienced of drivers resulting in serious accidents and life-changing injuries. When analyzing data published by the Federal Highway Administration studying the 1.3 million weather-related vehicle crashes that occurred each year in the U.S. on average during one 10 year period, it was uncovered that car accidents related to fog accounted for more than 500 deaths and almost 12,000 injuries.
How Does Fog Affect Drivers?
- Low visibility and delayed reaction times
- Problems strategizing driving moves
- Impairs a driver’s function and control
- Difficulty assessing the appropriate speed limit
What Actions Can Be Taken to Help Prevent Accidents?
Fortunately, there are safety measures drivers can implement when driving in fog that can help keep both themselves and others on the road safe. Actions that can be undertaken include:
- Use your low beams. While your first inclination may be to activate your high beam lights when visibility is restricted, high beams can make it even more difficult to see in fog. Therefore, use low beam lights instead.
- Be mindful of where you stop. It is also understandable if you choose to temporarily pull over rather than drive through the fog, but you should also keep in mind that pulling over can be dangerous in some situations. Never stop on the roadway because even if using your hazard lights, your tail lights may look like you are still driving which other drivers may try to follow (causing an accident) since this is one of the few things that can be seen clearly.
- Minimize distracted driving. This is the time to turn off the radio and put down your cell phone. Instead, open a window and listen when you are having trouble seeing clearly. You may be able to hear what you can’t see, including honking cars and screeching brakes that can alert you to a vehicle you can’t see.
Have You or a Loved One Been Injured in a Car Accident?
Whether you have been injured in a fog-related accident or some other kind of accident that occurred because of someone else’s negligent behavior, it is best to seek guidance from an experienced personal injury attorney as early as possible. This is the best way to ensure that you can begin undertaking steps to preserve your rights and the evidence needed to substantiate your assertions if you have been hurt in an accident that was caused by another person’s negligence. In addition, anyone who suspects that their loved one’s tragic death was due to someone else’s negligence should arrange a consultation with a local personal injury attorney to review the facts of their case and to explore any legal actions that may be available. As the experienced Miami personal injury attorneys of The Pendas Law Firm, we support accident victims and their families and help them hold responsible parties accountable. Contact us today to begin.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Orlando, Ocala, Tampa, Bradenton, Fort Myers, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville and Daytona Beach areas.
Resource:
ops.fhwa.dot.gov/weather/q1_roadimpact.htm
