Driving in fog

You wake up in the morning, and a thick blanket of fog has descended over the city. Before long, the all-too-familiar list of school delays begins to scroll across the bottom of your TV screen. So,  what exactly do you need to know before you attempt to make your way through town?

Fog, which reduces visibility, can also create the illusion that you’re driving in slow motion — even when you’re traveling at a normal or high rate of speed. It’s  important to play it safe. Here are a few helpful tips:

• Use low-beam headlights. Using your “brights” or high-beam lights can actually make it harder to see. That’s because fog reflects off bright lights, further decreasing visibility.
• Slow down! You may feel like you have your speed under control, but it’s hard to tell when you’re driving in fog. Check your speedometer often.
• Listen up! If you’re having a hard time seeing other cars, remember that other drivers may have a hard time seeing you. It’s important to use your other senses. Turn off the radio and consider opening your a window a crack so you can hear approaching vehicles.
• If road signs and lane markers are difficult to see, try using the right edge of the road as a guide. It’s a much safer bet than the center line.
• Keep your windows clear. Use your wipers and window defrost to make sure you’re not further limiting your visibility.