Xpert Tips for Driving Safely in the Fog

Just like there are different types of snow, there are many types of fog. You can be driving along with enough visibility and then suddenly go through a patch where you can barely see the road.

When fog’s an issue, here are our xpert tips to keep you safe on your drive.

1) Slow down and turn off your cruise control. Most crashes happen because the driver’s going too fast for weather conditions.

2) Drive with enough stopping space so you can stop in the distance you can see.

3) Don’t use high-beam headlights. They won’t shine through the fog but just reflect the light back in your eyes, making it worse for you and other drivers. Use low-beams.

4) In really dense fog, use front fog lights in addition to your low-beams if you have them. NEVER drive using only your parking or fog lights.

5) Minimize distractions. Turn off music and don’t talk on your cellphone, so you can listen for traffic you might not be able to see.

6) Keep the windshield clear and use the defroster to avoid fogged windows.

7) Avoid using your hazard lights while moving — other drivers may think you’ve stopped.

8) Use the right edge of the road, white fog line or roadside reflectors as a guide to stay in your lane.

9) Be patient. Don’t change lanes or pass other vehicles unless you really have to, and NEVER try to pass long lines of traffic in fog.

10) Don’t creep along; somebody else may crash into you. If visibility is extremely poor, exit the freeway or find a safe place to pull over.

11) If you need to stop and there’s no nearby exit, pull off the pavement as far as safely possible. Turn off your lights, set the emergency brake and take your foot off the brake to be sure your taillights aren’t lit up. Turn on your emergency flashers. Wait it out until conditions improve.

12) Never stop in the travel lanes. If you can’t pull over, go slow and sound the horn occasionally.