At some point in time in the life of a driver, he or she will experience driving in fog. It is a dangerous hazard, and is common on roadways across the country. Although everyone knows that when driving in fog, that vehicle speeds should be reduced, but that isn’t what usually happens. Many people who drive in foggy conditions continue to drive too closely to the vehicle in front of them, and do not significantly reduce their speeds to accommodate the conditions. The results can be a deadly car accident.
The conditions while driving in fog are statistically some of the worst a driver will encounter. You are literally at the mercy of the weather – it is impossible to see in front of your car as you drive! Many suggest that a person is safest reducing speeds and turning on the headlights. Most states require that if the windshield wipers are on, that the car headlights are also put on for safety. In the case of fog, it should be automatic that the drivers consider putting on the headlights right away, to be seen by oncoming traffic heading towards the car, coming from the opposite direction. Remember that it will take time to stop on slick roads, so when driving in fog, it is doubly important to remember the rules of the road for safety.
If the car is equipped with fog lights, it is imperative that they be utilized. Fog lights are the special lights often located below the bumper areas. They are able to pierce the fog and allow the driver more visibility. If a driver puts on the high beam lights instead, this actually serves to reduce the vision field, because the lights are directed out and up into the fog itself.
If a car stops on the road during heavy fog, other cars may not be able to see it to avoid a collision with the driver who has stopped. This can lead to several cars piling up into a multiple car pile-up. Many people who are following too closely to another car will also experience another hazard. This is when a lead car veers off of the road, and all of the other cars following it (albeit, too closely for safety) also veer off of the road, causing pile-ups. Drivers who are being followed by other cars in fog, can often not avoid being hit from behind. If a car is inadvertently hit from behind, it may be difficult to maintain a clear roadway so that the person is not subsequently hit by other cars afterwards.
If a driver is behind a person driving too closely in foggy conditions, an accident may be the result. If you have been hit from behind in fog, you will want to talk to an attorney who is versed on accident that happen in inclement conditions such as fog. Call the law offices of Ledger & Associates at 1-800-300-0001 or email us at www.ledgerlaw.com if you have been hit by another car while driving in foggy conditions.
