Tips for “fog” driving

Dear Editor,

New and “seasoned” drivers face a challenge driving in FOG.

Traveling on a 2-lane road into town last Saturday – late afternoon, I could see a fair distance in foggy conditions. I came upon darker grey objects that were actually vehicles – REALLY DIFFICULT to see, especially those with no head lights on or tail lights visible.

Coming home, it was pitch black. I could see only about a car length ahead. Some of the cars going in the opposite direction dimmed their high beams on approach. I’ve driven that stretch for over 20 years but could not find my side road. I had to turn around twice. Thank goodness no one else was out there at the time. Haven’t been that scared in decades.

Driving in fog is dangerous. Here are some practical tips (a summary from some dozen or so sites) if you MUST drive in fog. 

• Turn off cell phone and place it out of reach. Turn off radio. Put food and beverages aside.

• Ask passengers to keep quiet while you focus. 

• Roll down your window a little. Listen for cars and emergency vehicles.

• Skip cruise control. Avoid relying on GPS.

• Use wipers and defrosters (front and rear) to keep windows clear of moisture.

• Use LOW-beam headlights so your tail lights will be on also. (High-beams cause glare, making it more difficult to see.) If you have fog lights, use them.

• Slow down. Drive at a speed YOU feel comfortable with, even if drivers behind you are impatient.

• Increase following distance. Resist the temptation to follow the lights of the vehicle in front of you (which may land you in the ditch or worse).

• To stay in your lane, keep your eyes on the painted solid white line on the right edge of the road.

• Watch for pedestrians, animals on/crossing the road, and vehicles that have already pulled over.

In extremely dense fog with visibility near ZERO, the best thing to do is stop. Use your turn signal (to alert other drivers) and pull into a safe location. IF you have no other choice, pull off the road – as far as possible.

Turn your hazard lights ON. This signals to others that your vehicle is not moving.

Turn off all other lights. 

Keep your foot OFF the brake pedal (or another driver may run into you possibly causing a chain-reaction pileup). 

Remain in your car. 

Keep your seatbelt on.

BEFORE you hit the road: 

Full gas tank? Phone charged? Any burned out head or tail lights?

One day, dense fog. High winds and blinding snow the next. Only in Wisconsin. . . .

Eileen Z. Fitzsimons

Town of Dodgeville, WI