As the seasons shift, it’s not uncommon to wake up to thick blankets of fog across Windsor and Essex County. While it may look peaceful, fog is actually one of the leading causes of vehicle collisions. It significantly reduces visibility and can distort depth perception, creating unexpectedly dangerous conditions on the road.
Much like driving through heavy snow or icy roads, the best advice is to avoid driving in dense fog when possible. But if you must head out, consider the following safety tips to help you stay safe:
- Leave earlier than usual to reduce pressure and allow extra time for your commute.
- Stick to familiar roads so you're not navigating unfamiliar turns or traffic patterns in poor visibility.
- Use fog lights or low beams. High beams will reflect off the fog, reducing visibility even further.
- Maintain safe distances by keeping an eye on vehicles ahead and checking your mirrors frequently.
- Be alert and ready to adjust your speed as visibility conditions change.
- In extremely dense fog, roll down your window slightly to listen for nearby vehicles, especially at intersections or crossings.
- Don’t speed up suddenly if the fog clears — conditions can change quickly with another patch of dense fog just ahead.
These tips are especially important for new and inexperienced drivers. Fog can sneak up quickly and affect even the most confident motorists. Stay safe out there, Windsor-Essex!