Fog
Fog and mist are composed of microscopic water globules light enough to float in midair. The only thing that differentiates the two is the density. Fog has a higher density, meaning it is made up of more water droplets than mist. In terms of driving, for this condition to be classified as fog, visibility must be under 350 feet.
Attempting to navigate an automobile into dense fog is like wearing a blindfold. By the numbers, fog is the most hazardous driving condition. Even if you are on a very important trip, it probably is not worth your life. If you begin to feel insecure behind the wheel, pull over and wait for the fog to disappear. Since the most logical path to safety is not always the most convenient, you should be aware of some alternative solutions if you are caught in relentless fog.
Driving in fog
- Be extraordinarily careful while driving in fog. Nighttime driving requires drivers to act even more defensively. Fog normally appears in patches, often transitioning from a slight mist to a cloudy blanket in seconds. Essentially, the higher your rate of speed, the less reaction time you will have when entering sections of low visibility.
- When you penetrate fog, reduce your speed, check your mirrors, and brake lightly to warn drivers behind you of the danger that lies ahead.
- Utilize angled headlights or fog lights if the fog is making it difficult to see what’s on the horizon. Make sure you are not driving with you regular or high beams on because the light will be directed straight into the fog. The fog will then act like a mirror and reflect the light back at you, reducing visibility even further. Angled headlights point the light towards the pavement and alert other drivers that you are there.
- Monitor your speedometer closely because drivers have a tendency to become accustomed to the poor visibility and increase their speed. If you are unable to see clearly 40 feet ahead of you, you should bring your speed down below 20 mph.
- Use windshield wipers and defogger.
- Watch out for other drivers with their headlights turned off.
- If you pull off to the side of the road, make sure no part of the car is blocking the roadway or you risk being rear-ended.