Did you know that there is an increased risk of collision due to low visibility during fog?
On average, there are over 25,000 crashes and close to 500 deaths from driving in fog. MTO advises
against driving in fog, but sometimes it can’t be avoided, or it happens while you are already on the road. Staying
safe means you need to make adjustments to your driving and the reduced visibility with fog.
It’s a common myth that if an accident happens during inclement weather, no one is at-fault.
No matter the weather, you are expected to take safety precautions. Here is how to be a safe driver when the fog
rolls in.
What lights should be used when driving in the fog?
When driving in fog, it is suggested to use your low beams, not high beams. Most vehicles come with fog
lights specifically designed to shine below the fog line (20-24 inches from the ground). This helps the
lights from reflecting off the water particles, unlike regular headlights, which are higher and reflect
more.
Although fog lights will not light up the road more, they allow you to see the road clearer and make driving
in fog safer. Your vehicle will also be more visible to other drivers.
LED vs halogen fog lights
A common debate is if LED fog lights are better than halogen. LED tends to be more expensive, but they last much
longer – halogen often lasts 18-24 months, compared to years for LED. The white light can also pierce through fog
much stronger than the yellow lights from halogen.
If you have LED lights, remember they can cause more glare in fog. When you are doing car maintenance, check to
see if your fog lights are positioned correctly to work to their optimal ability. Keep in mind these fixes will
likely not be covered under your Ontario auto
insurance.
12 best tips to drive safe in fog
It’s not only driving in
winter where roads can become hazardous. Fog can appear on roads when the warm air makes contact with the
cooler surface air. When driving
in autumn or spring, you
may be faced with fog covered roads. This occurrence is common around the Great Lakes and low areas.
Although you can’t control the weather, there are many safety tips to keep in mind when driving in the fog. Here are
12 things to keep in mind if you need to drive in fog:
Drive according to the conditions: Slow down gradually and be mindful of the conditions –
you’ll likely be driving slower than the posted speed.
Increase following distance: Fog limits visibility between one and two kilometres; you’ll want
to ensure you have enough stopping distance and space between you and other drivers. Double the two-second rule
and leave four seconds of distance.
Use low beam or fog lights: Make sure your lights are on. If your car is not equipped with fog
lights, use your low beams.
Check the weather and conditions: Before hitting the road, check the weather and road
conditions on the route to help you plan accordingly or wait until the fog lifts.
Limit distractions: Turn down the radio, put your phone away, let a passenger navigate the
GPS. Limiting
distractions while driving can help you stay focused on the road and what’s happening around you.
Keep mirrors and windows clean: Use the defroster and wipers to increase your field of vision.
Always keep your washer fluid topped up and leave an extra in your vehicle.
Watch your speedometer: Fog can hide how fast you are travelling – check your speedometer to
see your speed.
Stay in your lane: When possible, avoid changing lanes and passing other vehicles.
Use pavement markings as a guide: Use the markings on the right side as a guide, rather than
the centerline.
Look ahead: As always, look ahead when you are driving to plan for what is to come.
Watch for emergency vehicles: Listen and look for any emergency vehicles behind you or ahead
of you.
Be aware of wildlife: If you drive rural roads, wildlife
may be harder to spot in the fog.
If the conditions become too much, use your signal, pull off to the side of the road and wait it out. If there is a
service center or parking lot nearby, consider stopping there. Turn on your hazards and keep your lights on. Never
stop in the middle of the road.
When driving in the fog, it can be helpful to remember to avoid these three things :
Do not use your high beams: High beams can cause the moisture in fog to shine directly back to
you, making your vision even worse and causing glare,.
Avoid cruise control: When conditions are less than ideal, you want complete control of your
vehicle so you can react.
Never speed up suddenly: Even if the fog seems to be clearing, or you want to pass another
vehicle, increasing your speed is dangerous. This could also cause you to brake suddenly, which can cause a
chain reaction and pileup.
Driving in fog FAQs
If you have to drive in fog, slow down and turn on your lights and fog lights if you have them
installed with your car.
Ensure your windows and mirrors are clear, use low beams or fog lights, and use the right pavement
painting as a guide.
Fog drastically limits how far drivers can see. It is crucial to slow down, drive without
distractions, and do not use your high beams.
Stay safe when driving in fog
Along with practicing safe driving, it's important to make sure your car insurance quote will adequately protect you
if there is an accident while driving.
Latest Articles
Checkout our latest articles on insurance and other helpful topics.
Insurance fraud cases, the cost of accident injury claims, and abuse of the system all contribute to rising policy costs. Drivers need to be aware of the signs of fraud and the common types.
Extreme weather events are on the rise. Are you covered for the damage to your vehicle? Learn about the types of insurance that protects your vehicles against weather events.
