The Dos and Don’ts of Driving in Fog
In South Carolina, dense fog is common during the cooler months, especially in the early mornings. Reduced visibility coupled with the congestion of rush hour is a dangerous combination, and people who do not know how to drive in heavy fog pose a risk to everyone on the road around them.
According to The Weather Channel , more than 500 people die annually as the result of fog-related collisions, and an additional 11,800 sustain injuries. Although you have no control over the other motorists on the road, there are ways to improve your own driving and ultimately reduce the risk of causing a collision when visibility is poor.
If you were hurt in an accident that someone else caused, you may be eligible to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages. Contact Churdar Law Firm to discuss your case with a compassionate personal injury attorney in Greenville.
Doug Churdar will assess the circumstances of the crash to determine if you have grounds for a claim. Call 864-233-0203 to schedule a case evaluation.
Read on to learn the dos and don’ts of driving in fog:
Do…
Slow Down
When visibility is poor, there’s much less time to see and respond to road hazards. As a result, it is essential to decelerate considerably if you hit a patch of fog.
Eliminate Distractions
Distracted driving is dangerous enough when the conditions are perfect, and focusing on anything but the road ahead when traveling through fog is a recipe for disaster. Turn the music down, do not adjust your GPS navigation, and keep both hands on the wheel when driving through dense fog.
Use the Lane Markers on Your Right as a Guide
If you use the centerline as a guide, the vehicle will naturally drift toward oncoming traffic. Instead, focus on the white line to your right to ensure you stay in the proper lane.
Don’t…
Turn on the High Beams
When visibility is poor, your first instinct may be to turn on the vehicle’s high beams. Although this is typically a good idea when traveling on a rural road at nighttime, it can be dangerous in dense fog. The bright light will actually reflect off the fog and bounce back toward your vehicle, making it much harder to see the road ahead—or any hazards that might be present.
Tailgate
People tend to follow the vehicle ahead fairly closely when driving in fog because it gives them a point of reference. Many motorists do not even realize they are doing this, so you may need to make an active effort to avoid tailgating when conditions are poor.
Stop on the Side of the Road
If the fog is especially thick, it may be in your best interests to stop until conditions clear; however, you should not simply pull over to the side of the road. Motorists who are using the right lane as their guide could end up passing so close that they sideswipe your vehicle. Instead, find a parking lot that is as far from moving traffic as possible to wait out the weather.
If you were hurt in a collision during heavy fog despite following the tips above, the at-fault driver may be liable for your damages. Turn to Churdar Law Firm to discuss your case and determine if you have a valid claim.
Call 864-233-0203 to schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney in Greenville. If you want to learn more about accident claims in South Carolina, visit USAttorneys.com.
