Fog: A Top Cause of Auto Accidents

Car accidents don't just happen out of the blue.  There is always a cause.  Even in today's safety technology, millions of people die each year in car accidents.

And one of the leading causes is fog.

Fog not only reduces visibility.  It also limits contrast and distorts perception. 

Basically, it limits your ability to see other cars and objects on the road.  So you have to be extra cautious when driving in it.

When an airport becomes "fogged in," planes do not take off.  And if any airborne plane must also land at another airport.  It makes you wonder...if visibility is very low or near zero...should you be allowed to drive?

Fog Affects Driver Perception

1.  It distorts your perception of speed.  You might think that an object is traveling slower than it really is.  This also applies to your own speed.  So if you must drive in the fog, do NOT speed.  It may not even be a good idea to drive the speed limit.

2.  You will have a hard time distinguishing between a stationary object and a moving one.  This includes having difficulty determining between parked cars and driving cars.  This could result in an accident.

3.  You may misjudge distance.  We all instinctively judge that blurry objects are further away than clear ones.  With fog clouding your viewpoint, you are more likely to misjudge just how far away another car or stationary object is.

3 Tips to Avoid a Car Accident

While fog makes for treacherous road conditions, there are ways in which you can avoid a car accident in these conditions.

1.  Take your time. In poor weather, take your time.  It’s better to arrive late than to rush and cause a car accident.

2.  Use your fog lights, if possible. Most experts believe that yellow or green lights reflect back less light than just your normal white lights.  White lights contain all the colors (more wavelengths), and experts have found that a single wavelength (yellow, green or blue) will allow for less reflection.

3.  Drive with extreme caution. Allow for a greater distance between you and the car in front of you.  Always travel at a slower speed than the posted speed limit as these conditions dictate lower speeds.