When Driving in Fog, You Should

By Joshua Glotzer in Car Accident on November 14, 2025

Driving through fog can turn an ordinary drive into a tense experience in seconds. The thick gray air blurs everything ahead, making even familiar streets feel unfamiliar. When the fog rolls in, it’s easy to lose track of distance or speed, and small mistakes can quickly become dangerous. Knowing when driving in fog, you should ease off the gas, stay alert, and use low beams instead of high ones can make all the difference in getting home safely.

At Glotzer & Leib, we’ve seen how quickly a quiet Burbank morning can change when the fog moves in. We aim to help you stay steady, calm, and safe until the skies clear again.

Dangers of Driving in Fog

Fog can shrink visibility to just a few feet, making spotting other cars, signs, or lane markings challenging. The California Driver Handbook explains that fog is among the most dangerous driving conditions because it distorts distance and slows reaction time. In Burbank, early morning fog and cool-season mist are standard, often surprising drivers who start their trip in clear weather and then face a sudden wall of haze on the road.

Crashes often happen when drivers use high beams that bounce light off the fog or follow too closely to the car ahead. Multi-vehicle pileups are frequent when people misjudge how close they are or fail to slow down in time. Because fog can roll in suddenly, especially in low-lying or coastal areas, it’s essential to stay alert, ease up on the gas, and keep your attention locked on the road until conditions improve.

When Driving in Fog, You Should Consider These Tips for Safe Driving

Reduce Your Speed and Drive Slowly

When driving in fog, you should reduce your speed significantly. It’s not safe to rely on the speed of other vehicles, as each driver may have a different level of visibility. Keep an eye on your speedometer, as fog can distort perception and make you feel like you’re driving slower than you are. Slowing down gives you more time to respond to obstacles or sudden stops, which is crucial when you can’t see more than a few feet ahead.

Stay Focused on the Road and Avoid Distractions

Distractions become even more dangerous in foggy conditions. Stay alert, limit conversation, silence your phone, and keep both hands on the wheel. Even a split second of inattention can lead to an accident when visibility is poor. Focus on driving steadily and smoothly, avoiding abrupt movements that could cause your tires to lose traction.

Use Low Beams and Hazard Lights

High beams reflect light off fog particles, creating a white wall that obscures vision. Use your low-beam headlights or fog lights instead, as they illuminate the road more effectively. If visibility drops severely, turn on your hazard lights to make your vehicle more visible to others. Always ensure your lights are clean and working well before driving during foggy mornings or evenings.

Maintain a Safe Following Distance

The reduced visibility means you have less time to react to sudden stops. Keep a larger distance between your car and the one ahead. This gives you more time to brake safely and avoid rear-end collisions. It’s a good rule of thumb to double your normal following distance when driving through fog.

Use Road Markings as a Guide

Focus on the painted lane lines or the road’s right edge to maintain your lane position. These markings can serve as visual guides when you can’t clearly see what’s ahead. Avoid drifting toward the centerline, as that’s where oncoming traffic might be. This minor adjustment helps you stay in your lane and reduce the risk of a head-on collision.

Signal Changes in Direction Early

In foggy weather, other drivers may not see your vehicle until they are very close. Use your turn signals early to alert others of lane changes or turns. This small action can prevent confusion and accidents. Clear communication on the road is essential when conditions are unpredictable.

Avoid Stopping on the Road

If visibility becomes dangerously low, don’t stop in the middle of the road. Pull over to a safe area, such as a parking lot or a broad shoulder. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers and wait for the fog to lift before continuing.

According to the California Driver Handbook, it’s safer to stop completely off the road than to risk being struck by another vehicle. Taking this precaution can mean the difference between staying safe and being involved in a collision.

At Glotzer & Leib, LLP, we believe every injury victim deserves experienced, dedicated representation, without being treated like just another case. With decades of experience and a track record of seven-figure results, we take on powerful insurance companies and fight for those whose lives have been disrupted by serious motor vehicle accident, a workplace injury, or any type of personal injury claim. You’re not just a case to us, you’re our priority.

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Liability Considerations for a Fog Car Accident

Determining fault in a fog-related crash isn’t always simple. Even though fog is a natural condition, drivers must still act responsibly. Under California Vehicle Code §16056 (VEH), drivers must maintain financial responsibility and drive safely for the weather. Speeding, following too closely, or failing to use headlights can make a driver liable for the accident.

In Burbank, responsibility often comes down to each driver’s actions. A motorist who drives too fast or forgets to use lights may be negligent, and stopping in a travel lane instead of pulling off the road can also create liability. Evidence such as reports, witness statements, and weather data usually helps clarify who’s at fault.

Insurance companies sometimes blame the fog itself to avoid paying. Having a lawyer helps protect your rights and seek fair compensation for injuries and losses under California’s comparative negligence rules.

Navigating Next Steps: Legal Support From a Burbank Car Accident Lawyer

At Glotzer & Leib, we know how life can change instantly after a fog-related crash. We work with clients throughout Burbank and nearby communities to help them recover the compensation they need to rebuild. Our attorneys carefully examine every part of the case, from weather reports and driver actions to witness accounts, to uncover what really happened. When needed, we collaborate with accident reconstruction experts and review available footage to ensure no detail is missed.

After an accident, your focus should be healing, not paperwork or insurance disputes. Let our team handle the legal side while you concentrate on recovery. Call 747-241-8288 today to connect with a caring legal team ready to listen, guide you through the process, and help you confidently move forward.