When you hear the term “foul weather” or “poor road conditions,” what comes to mind? Depending on where you live, you might think of torrential downpours or massive snowdrifts, but chances are fog is not at the top of your list.
According to The Weather Channel, though, driving through fog is incredibly dangerous. In the decade between 2002 and 2012, for example, more than 500 traffic fatalities could be attributed to fog annually. Additionally, there was an average of 31,385 fog-related collisions every year.
When the fog is especially dense, it is wise to stay off the roads entirely. If you must go out, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of causing a crash; however, there is no way to guarantee the drivers around you will exercise the same caution.
If you were hurt in a wreck when weather conditions were poor, you may have grounds for a claim against the other party involved. To determine if you have a valid case, turn to Miller, Hampton & Hilgendorf.
As soon as you walk through the door to meet with a Baton Rouge car accident lawyer on our team, we can talk with you honestly about your case and begin to plan a strategy for pursuing the benefits you deserve. CALL OR TEXT US AT 225-343-2205 To Speak To An Attorney Today!
Read on for five tips for staying safe when driving in fog:
- Turn off Your High Beams
Fog lights will help you navigate when visibility is poor, but high beams can actually make it harder to see if there is moisture in the air. High beams are so bright that the light they produce bounces off the water droplets, resulting in a glare.
- Leave More Stopping Distance
When visibility is reduced, you have significantly less time to respond to hazards that arise. For this reason, it is critical to learn more than the standard three to five seconds of stopping distance between your car and the vehicle ahead of you.
- Turn on the Defroster
Even if it is fairly warm out, turning on the defroster could actually help clear up the windshield considerably. Likewise, turning on the wipers will keep the glass free of any water droplets.
- Ride the White Line
It is easy to drift out of the proper lane when driving in fog. If you find yourself getting disoriented, pull into a designated parking lot until the fog clears.
Use the white line to your right as a reference point until you can reach a parking lot safely. This will help reduce the risk of drifting to the left and causing a head-on collision.
- Make Predictable and Deliberate Maneuvers
Fog reduces visibility for everyone, which means no one on the road has adequate time to evade sudden hazards. In such a scenario, avoid making any sudden maneuvers. Use your blinkers, brake gradually, and eliminate distractions so you don’t miss a turn and end up cutting across traffic.
Sadly, you can follow all of the tips above and still end up in a devastating wreck with someone who is not as safety-conscious. If you were hurt in a collision with a reckless driver, contact Miller, Hampton & Hilgendorf today. We are dedicated to getting our clients the results they deserve.
CALL OR TEXT US AT 225-343-2205 To Speak To An Attorney Today! You can learn more about filing a claim in Louisiana with the help of a Baton Rouge car accident attorney by visiting USAttorneys.com.
Miller, Hampton & Hilgendorf
3960 Government Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
225-343-2205