Auto Accidents and Fog: How to Reduce Your Chances of An Accident
Even for an experienced driver, driving in fog is difficult. In an average year, nearly 500 deaths occur in the United States in fog-related accidents and another 10,000 people get injured. Auto accidents and fog are a problem simply because fog reduces visibility. Tiny droplets of moisture are effectively suspended in air and, at times, it can be bad enough that seeing more than a few feet ahead of you is impossible.
At Gary A. Zucker & Associates, we protect the rights of accident victims in Brooklyn, NY. We fight to maximize compensation to cover damages incurred in auto accidents, including medical costs and lost income. The facts tell the story, and we will uncover the truth to determine liability and make sure you are not left in the dark.
High Beams in Fog
It is a natural instinct for drivers to shine their high beams when driving in fog. Although it may make sense intuitively, shining your high beams will only compound the issue, scattering light and causing a blanket of whiteness. It will become that much harder to differentiate between standing objects and moving cars.
The Ways Fog Affects Driver Perception
Why exactly does fog cause so much trouble for drivers?
- It affects the way you perceive speed: You will feel like you are going slower than you actually are when driving in fog because contrast is lowered. Because visibility is limited, you will have less distance to stop when you finally do notice another car or object. The faster you go, the harder it will be to avoid a collision.
- It affects the way you perceive distance: Because fog reduces contrast and clouds your view, it is easy to misjudge the distance between your car and another car or object. Mistakenly believing that another car is farther away than it actually is can lead to disaster, especially when turning into oncoming traffic.
- It affects the way you perceive movement: Simply figuring out whether or not a car is moving can prove challenging in foggy conditions. This can lead to mistakes in turns and other driving maneuvers.
Avoiding Auto Accidents in Fog
Avoiding driving in the fog is always your best option. However, if for any reason you must travel in fog, keep these tips in mind:
- Keep your low beam lights on, as high beam lights simply reflect off the fog and reduce your visibility
- Although it is difficult to see traffic, you can listen for it. Keep your radio down, avoid talking on your cell phone, and roll down your window to listen for other cars
- Drive much slower than you normally would
- Turn on your hazard lights
- Avoid tailgating and allow extra room between your car and the car in front of you
- Avoid switching lanes as much as possible
- Be cognizant of parked vehicles
- Do not pass traffic
- Use windshield wipers and defrosters to increase your visibility
- Keep an eye on your speedometer, as you may be traveling faster than you think
Contact Gary A. Zucker & Associates
If you have been in a fog-related auto accident, contact Gary A. Zucker & Associates. To schedule a consultation, visit our website or call (718) 624-1211 today.