Inclement weather is one of the greatest dangers that drivers face on the road. While we don’t see much snow or ice in Southern California, we get our fair share of rain and heavy fog. Heavy fog puts drivers at significant risk of serious collisions, including pileups. If you’re involved in a crash caused by poor weather, it’s crucial to talk to a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. You could be entitled to compensation. Call Elia Law Firm at 619-444-2244 to set up a consultation now.
Bad weather is an issue for all U.S. drivers, but dangerous weather conditions vary. California tends to suffer from extremes in both directions. Droughts and heat waves are followed by severe storms and flooding, an issue that is expected to continue in years to come. As a California driver, it’s essential that you prepare ahead of time for heavy fog, flooding, and severe storms. While you can’t always predict the weather, you can ensure that your driving skills are always ready for whatever comes.
What Causes Heavy Fog?
Heavy fog is born when warm, moist air collides with cooler air. When this happens, condensation forms, and water droplets settle near the ground. While heavy fog can happen anywhere that warm and cool combine, certain areas are more susceptible to it. Coastal areas, communities near large bodies of water, and valleys see far more heavy fog than inland areas and flat regions. The greatest danger of heavy fog is reduced visibility.
The Risks of Reduced Visibility
Reduced visibility dramatically increases the likelihood of a car collision. Drivers may struggle to see vehicles around them, as well as stop signs, traffic lights, and even road markings. Pedestrians and bicyclists are in particular danger in heavy fog, as drivers may not see them until it’s too late. The delayed reaction time caused by poor visibility can mean the difference between a near-miss and a serious accident.
Furthermore, those stuck in heavy fog often find their sense of depth perception completely warped. The fog may clear up and worsen randomly, causing driver disorientation and making driving even more unsafe.
Perhaps one of the greatest dangers of reduced visibility is the fact that more severe accidents are likely. When drivers cannot see anything or anyone around them, they don’t know when they need to slow down. Should they hit another car or person, they often do so at full speed without any evasive action.
Staying Safe in Heavy Fog
While driving in heavy fog is frightening, you can do your part to stay safe and prevent crashes. To start, slow down as much as possible while traveling in foggy conditions. Should you have limited visibility, driving at a lower speed allows you to react to obstacles long before you’re about to hit them. You should also utilize your fog lights instead of your high-beam headlights, which reflect light off of the fog and back to you.
Finally, you should avoid distractions the entire time you are stuck in the fog. Distracted driving is dangerous in the best case scenario; in an already dangerous scenario involving bad weather, it is wildly reckless. Avoid checking your navigation settings, changing the music, or getting too involved in a conversation with your passengers.
If visibility is so limited that you cannot see in any direction, consider pulling off to the side and waiting it out. Try to wait until you’re in a place where you can pull off of the road a significant distance, as waiting on the shoulder of the road may just put you in the path of other less attentive drivers.
Legal Considerations
Liability may seem complicated when poor weather is involved, but ultimately, a driver’s ability to stay safe generally falls on them. Inclement weather can definitely make a crash more likely or make it harder to stay safe, but insurance companies will look at who could have avoided the crash by driving more cautiously. It’s important to discuss your options with an attorney because these cases can become very complicated very quickly.
Injured in a Car Wreck? Call Elia Law Firm Today
The personal injury team at Elia Law Firm is here to help you pursue compensation after an accident. Let’s sit down and talk about your options. Call us at 619-444-2244 or contact us online to schedule a consultation now.
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