Speeding is dangerous – especially during foggy conditions. According to the National Weather Service, heavy fog limits your visibility to a quarter of a mile or less.3 You may not be able to see the car in front of you or find your next turn.
Even if you start out driving slowly, studies say drivers get acclimated to fog and naturally speed up.4 Try to avoid this habit. Instead, keep a watchful eye on your speedometer and drive at a slower speed. Here are reasons for speeding and how to avoid them:5
Give yourself more time.
Avoid running late by planning on giving yourself more travel time to reach your destination. If it’s foggy, the last thing you should do is rush.
Mind the speedometer.
It’s easy to lose track of the outside world and feel less constrained while driving. Regularly checking your speedometer as you’re driving is essential. In addition, regular maintenance ensures an accurate speedometer reading; be sure to have a professional check it occasionally.
Consider the consequences of speeding.
Remember, your safety, the safety of your passengers and other drivers on the road is most important.
Keep a safe distance from other cars
While driving, keep a safe distance from other cars, bicycles and pedestrians on the road. Also limit your movements as much as possible. For example, try not to change lanes, pass other drivers or take unnecessary turns. Do what’s necessary to safely reach your destination. Any other activity puts you at a high risk for colliding with another car.4
If needed, use the hazard lights
Sometimes fog is so dense that you need to pull over to a safe location. Avoid stopping in the middle of the road, as it increases the chance of someone rear-ending your vehicle. Instead, turn on your hazard lights and slowly navigate to a safe location to pull over. Then, wait out the fog until it’s safe to head back on the road.7
Here’s the takeaway: safely driving in fog is possible with some visibility and by following these tips. Stay calm, cool and collected along the way. Even though you can’t control fog, you can control your travel schedule, speed and extra precautions. It’s worth taking extra time to stay focused — or, better yet, wait until conditions improve.
1U.S. Department of Transportation, Low Visibility, 2021.
2 The Weather Prediction, Fog Dissipation.
3 National Weather Service, [Resources] Social Media: Fog, 2021.
4 Smart Motorist, 7 Tips For Driving In Fog Safety, 2021.
5 NHTSA, Speeding, (post-2020 based on facts in the article).
6 AAA, Tips for Preventing Distracted Driving, (no date provided).
7 Driving in Fog, National Weather Service, 2021.
8 Advance Auto Parts, Everything You Should Know About Fog Lights, 2021.
9 The Ultimate Guide on How to Defog Windows in Your Car, Your AAA Daily, 2020.
10 How Long Do Windshield Wipers Last? AutoZone, 2021.