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Watch out for slippery roads
While fog primarily affects visibility rather than traction, it can sometimes contribute to damp or slippery road conditions. This is especially true when temperatures are near freezing, you’re crossing a bridge or an overpass, or you’re entering or exiting a roadway. Slow down to maintain control of the vehicle.
Stay home or get off the road
The best advice for driving in fog is not to drive at all. But if you’re already out driving and hit a patch of dense fog, pull off the road. Choose a spot that’s safe to drive to but far enough off the roadway so you’re not blocking driving routes for other vehicles. Turn your hazard flashers on and avoid turning on your brake lights.
Eliminate distractions
Stay completely focused on driving. Turn off the music, put your phone away and ask passengers to remain quiet so you can focus on driving. Fog reduces visibility, so you may not see hazards until they’re much closer, leaving less time to react.
Reduce your speed
Since fog reduces visibility, animals, vehicles, and pedestrians may not be within your view until they’re very close. Reducing your speed is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself. Driving below the speed limit gives you more time to react to cars, road debris or other hazards you may encounter.
Turn on your wipers and defroster
Use your windshield defroster and wipers to keep your windows clear.
Create space between your car and vehicles in front of you
Leave plenty of distance between your car and the car ahead of you. Cars are more likely to stop suddenly or drive slowly in foggy conditions. Following too closely is one of the top causes of multivehicle crashes.
Brake slowly
If you need to brake to turn or pull off the road, do it as slowly as possible. The longer your brake lights are on, the more time other drivers have to see them and react. Engage your turn signal well before your intended turn so other cars have time to slow down.
Don’t use cruise control
In hazardous conditions like fog, you need to drive actively. You may need to change speeds often, depending on traffic and other conditions around you. Turn your cruise control off.
Keep an eye on road reflectors
Even in fog, your headlights will illuminate road reflectors. The yellow reflectors mark the middle of the road, while the white reflectors mark the side of the road. These reflectors can help you stay in your lane as you drive.
Use low-beam headlights
It seems like high beams should improve visibility, but that’s not the case with fog. Bright lights reflect off fog and make it harder to see what’s in front of you. In fog, use fog lights (if your car has them) and your low-beam headlights. Even during daytime driving, turn on your headlights so other vehicles can see you more clearly.
Roll down your window
While rolling down your window won’t help you see, it may help you hear if other cars are nearby. It can also alert you to sirens or emergency vehicles that may be helping with a crash ahead.
Fog can come on quickly and lead to hazardous situations. Follow these suggestions to increase your chances of arriving at your destination safely.