Driving on the roads of Florida is a dangerous task done by several people each day. However, if weather conditions such as fog are present, driving becomes even more hazardous. Fog is a weather condition that can be created when the air is warmer than the dew point and can be heavily influenced by nearby bodies of water. Moisture in the warmer air condenses and cools, forming droplets that hover over the ground. The fog can be either thick or thin, so visibility may vary. Travel time delay, traffic speed, and speed variance are also affected by fog. Foggy conditions are the cause of 25,451 car accidents annually in the United States. These serious car accidents resulted in 8,902 injuries and 464 deaths.

Accidents Caused By Foggy Conditions

Some of the most common types of accidents in Florida that are caused by low visibility from fog include head-on collision and rear-end accidents. A head-on collision occurs when the front end of two vehicles collide while traveling in opposite directions. This usually happens when drivers don’t pay attention and end up driving in the wrong lane. Rear-end accidents happen when the front end of a vehicle crashes into the rear end of the vehicle in front of them. Driver negligence is a common cause for rear-end collisions. Not only do these accidents cause serious injuries, but they can be deadly as well. Fog is also extremely hazardous to pedestrians. Low visibility caused by foggy conditions makes pedestrians harder to see by motorists.

What You Can Do To Stay Safe

Driver negligence is extremely dangerous to everyone on the road, especially if the weather is making road conditions more hazardous. Extra care and attention are necessary by all motorists in order to help keep everybody safe. Here are some things you can do to ensure safety if you’re driving in foggy conditions in Florida:

• Stay In If You Don’t Need To Leave- Fog is still counted as a danger, even if all precautions are taken. Sometimes the best way to avoid an accident in foggy conditions is to not drive in it at all. If you don’t have to drive right away, wait until the fog passes.
• Stay Focused– If you must drive in fog, then this is the best time to avoid distractions and drive as safely as possible. Set your phone on silent, make any adjustments to your seat and heat settings before leaving, and let your passengers know you need to focus so you don’t have to take your eyes off the road. 
• Avoid Cruise Control- Cruise control is a useful tool while on the road to help your vehicle maintain a constant speed, but it can also allow the driver to lose focus and look around. Maintain control of the car so you can react quickly when needed
• Slow Down- It’s important to slow down in foggy conditions. Slowing down offers you extra reaction time in case traffic slows down or the car in front of you makes a sudden stop. 
• Give Yourself Extra Space–  In addition to slowing down in hazardous conditions, it’s important to give the vehicle ahead of you extra room. An accident can occur if you’re following too closely and the car in front of you makes an emergency stop or stops for any reason.
• Use Windshield Wipers And Defrosters- Moisture can collect on your windshield and make it even more difficult to see. Keep the windshield clean and clear so your visibility is as good as possible.
• Use Your Headlights- Using headlights in fog can help other drivers see you better. Avoid using high-beams, though. They can cause glare and make visibility worse.
• Listen For Clues- Make sure you can hear other vehicles on the road if visibility is low. Roll down your windows, avoid talking to passengers, and lower the car’s stereo volume.
• Stay In Your Lane- Do your best to make sure you stay in your own lane. Don’t just follow the car ahead of you, for they might not be in the correct place. Use roadside reflectors and the lines on the road if they’re visible as references to ensure you’re where you need to be on the road.
• Keep Looking- Stay alert and constantly scan for clues for other vehicles or wildlife. Foggy conditions lower visibility, so wildlife on the side of the road may not be seen until it’s too late. 
• Know When To Pull Over- If visibility is extremely low to the point of you can’t even see the vehicle in front of you, safely pull over in a parking lot or by a curb away from traffic. Keep your car’s hazard lights on, and wait until either visibility improves or the fog clears completely before proceeding. It’s much safer to practice caution than to reach your destination in a hurry.
• Brake Gently- If you need to slow down in foggy conditions, keep in mind to do so gradually in order to avoid a rear-end accident. Check your mirrors and make sure the drivers behind you can see your brake lights so they have ample time to react.

Talking With A Car Accident Attorney In Florida

If you or a loved one have been seriously injured in a car accident in Florida that wasn’t your fault and hazardous weather conditions were a factor, you may still be eligible for compensation. People who cause an accident by failing to adjust their driving according to the current weather can be held liable for the accident. Our dedicated car wreck lawyers at Sheftall Law are here to answer any questions you may have about your accident and will help you determine if you have a claim. With decades of combined experience, you can be confident in our team’s ability to advocate for your needs and rights, and we will ensure that you get the maximum compensation that you deserve. Call us today at (904)-638-7712 or visit sheftalllaw.com to schedule your confidential consultation.