As we move into the rainy season, it is important to remember that there are a number of hazardous conditions that make driving dangerous. One of the often overlooked driving hazards is fog. This blinding blanket is basically a cloud at ground level.
Fog can be composed of either water droplets or ice cycles. This fog tends to form in valleys or over calm bodies of water (i.e. lakes, ponds, etc.), making the greater Sacramento area a perfect location with all conditions needed for the fog to form.
Safety tips for driving in fog:
- Allot extra time for you to reach your destination. Fog will reduce your visibility and as such, you should travel at a slower rate than in clear conditions, be sure to plan accordingly so you can arrive safely.
- Be sure you are visible to others on the road. Utilize your low-beam headlights, this will ensure your taillights are also on, so that other motorist can see you from both ahead or behind; utilize fog lights if you have them. Never use high-beam headlights as this will cause a glare and make it more difficult to see ahead.
- Leave plenty of distance between yourself and other vehicles. Give everyone enough time to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic. Fog interferes with our perception of how fast others are moving or if they are stationary. This makes it hard to discern how traffic is moving ahead of your vehicle.
- Follow the lines on the road with your eyes to ensure you are staying in the proper lane.
- Turn on your lights. In extreme cases, if the fog is too thick and provides virtually no visibility, then turn on hazard lights and, if possible, pull into the nearest parking lot or business to wait for the fog to lift or lessen. Fog will typically lift or “burn off” quickly after sunrise or before noon, and will usually only stay longer in very specific conditions.
As you are traveling back and forth to work, visit family, or take a vacation, please keep these tips in mind if you encounter fog along the way. Remember, speed limits are designed for driving in perfect conditions. You are not obligated to go the speed posted and safety is always more important than “making good time” on any commute or trip.
Stay safe!