Fog-related car accidents are more common than one might think. Fog inhibits drivers from seeing what is around them and makes it harder for others to see them. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration posted that more than 38,700 car accidents yearly are fog-related.

Preparation is key for avoiding fog-related car accidents, including understanding how and why fog appears and the best driving strategies to use.

Fog can develop during different kinds of weather patterns. It forms when air close to the ground cools quickly, condensing water vapor into small moisture droplets. That produces grayish, low-lying clouds. The droplets remain suspended in the air and scatter when hit with light. As a result, the dense formation reduces the contrast with other objects. Smaller droplets lead to thicker fog; when that happens, drivers might be unable to see what is right in front of their vehicles.

The most obvious risk of driving in the fog is reduced visibility. Not being aware of one’s surroundings increases the chances of collisions. Here are a few more reasons why it is dangerous to drive on foggy roads:

• Fog makes drivers feel disoriented: Thick blankets of fog make drivers feel confused about where they are, and that causes disorientation. A driver might take a wrong exit, swerve into another lane, or drive into oncoming traffic.
• Chain reactions: The risk for multi-vehicle crashes increases in foggy conditions, particularly on busy highways. One collision can create a dangerous hazard when oncoming motorists do not see them until too late.
• Increased stopping distance: Reduced visibility makes it difficult to judge distances between vehicles, so longer stopping distances are needed for safety.

The best way to avoid fog-related car accidents is to listen to traffic reports and wait until things clear before heading out. When that is impossible, maintain longer following distances, reduce speed, use low-beam headlights, and avoid sudden movements. Adaptive driving technologies like lane departure alerts can also help.

As with any motor vehicle accident, driver liability will be analyzed in a fog-related car accident claim. Drivers have the choice of venturing out in foggy conditions; extra caution should be used when they do.

If you were involved in this type of crash, a lawyer can examine the accident report, review physical evidence, and speak to witnesses who may have seen what happened. Although every car accident case is different, an investigation might show that another driver acted negligently and caused the crash. Remember that the other side may also build a case asserting that you contributed to the accident.

If you were involved in a fog-related car accident and need legal representation, contact the Law Office of David S. Rochman . Our Mt. Laurel car accident attorneys offer free consultation. Call 856-751-2345 or complete our online form . Located in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey, we serve clients in Burlington County and the surrounding areas.

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