Over the past few weeks the fog has been thick here in Northern Virginia, especially in Alexandria. It is not a coincidence that you may have also noticed an uptick of fender benders on the roads. Fog is a dangerous weather condition for drivers as it significantly reduces visibility and increases the risk of accidents. At Curcio Law, we’ve seen firsthand how foggy conditions contribute to crashes, and we’re here to guide you on how to stay safe and what to do if you’re involved in a weather related accident.
Why Is Fog So Dangerous?
Fog limits your ability to see what’s ahead, often reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile. This makes it harder to react to other vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, or obstacles on the road. Drivers may not realize they’re traveling too fast for the conditions or misjudge their stopping distance. These miscalculations are a frequent cause of rear-end and multi-vehicle collisions in foggy weather.
Safety Tips for Driving in Foggy Conditions
- Slow Down: Always reduce your speed when visibility is compromised. Drive slower than the speed limit if necessary to ensure you have enough reaction time to avoid a collision.
- Use Low-Beam Headlights: High beams reflect off the water droplets in fog, making it even harder to see. Use low-beam headlights and fog lights (if your vehicle has them) to improve visibility without causing glare.
- Increase Following Distance: Maintain a greater distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you. This gives you more time to stop if traffic suddenly slows or an obstacle appears.
- Avoid Distractions: Stay focused on the road. Turn off the radio, put away your phone, and keep both hands on the steering wheel.
- Use Roadside Markers: Pay attention to lane markings and roadside reflectors to help guide your path. Avoid driving in the middle of the road to stay clear of oncoming traffic.
- Pull Over if Necessary: If visibility becomes dangerously low, find a safe place to pull off the road. Not onto a shoulder, but rather a parking lot or a side street. Do not get us started on the dangers of using emergency shoulders (for something other than an emergency). Wait until the fog clears to proceed with your travels. It is better to be late than to never arrive at all.
- Be Extra Cautious of Pedestrians or Bicyclists: Fog reduces visibility, including your peripheral vision. Pedestrians and bicyclists approaching from the side will be even more difficult to see, so be mindful of high traffic areas where pedestrians and bicyclists are routinely present. This is particularly important if you are making a turn, where a significant amount of car and pedestrian/ bicycle crashes occur.
Virginia Liability Laws and Fog-Related Accidents
Whether or not the weather is poor, negligence must be proven for any personal injury claim. Virginia Civil Model Jury Instructions (Instruction No. 4.000) defines negligence as “…the failure to use ordinary care. Ordinary care is the care a reasonable person would have used under the circumstances of this case.” This means that negligence must arise from the failure of the defendant to act as a reasonable person would have acted under the circumstances.
The key phrase here is “under the circumstances.” Circumstances like fog, snow, or rain can turn what appears to be perfectly reasonable behavior into negligence. For example, you may be driving 35 MPH on the George Washington Parkway—the posted speed limit. On a clear day, this is both reasonable and legal. However, if dense fog sets in, that same speed could be unreasonable because it fails to account for reduced visibility and the need for additional stopping distance. A driver who does not adjust to foggy conditions may be found negligent for failing to act as a reasonable person would under those circumstances.
What to Do After a Fog-Related Accident
If you are in an accident caused by fog:
- Turn on Hazards and Call 911 to request medical assistance if needed. Hazards lights will help alert other drivers to avoid the scene.
- Choose to move or stay. Serious accidents usually require all vehicles to be left in the position in which they stopped after the car accident, especially if a vehicle has been totaled or is not running properly, if moving the vehicle could make an injury worse, or if there is too much debris on the road. If your car is functional and injuries are minor, move your car to prevent further accidents. This is particularly important in low visibility situations that can quickly turn a fender bender into a catastrophic pile up.
- Document the scene, when it is safe to do so, by taking photos of the road conditions, vehicle damage, and any injuries.
- Exchange information with other drivers and witnesses.
- Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor. Often the adrenaline of the accident can mask pain. Some injuries, like internal bleeding, concussions, or soft tissue damage, may not have immediate symptoms and could become serious if left untreated. Additionally, a medical record documenting your injuries is crucial for insurance claims or legal proceedings in case complications arise later on. We have had clients find out they were pregnant upon evaluation, and extra care was given to monitor the child.
- Contact an experienced personal injury attorney to evaluate your case and protect your rights.
How Curcio Law Can Help
At Curcio Law, we understand the complexities of proving fault in fog-related crashes. Our team will thoroughly investigate the accident, and gather evidence. If you or a loved one has been injured in a fog-related accident, don’t navigate this process alone. Contact us for a free consultation so we can help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Stay Safe on the Roads. When the fog rolls in, remember: slow down, stay alert, and drive responsibly. Your safety—and the safety of others—depends on it.
