Whether you drive in the early morning hours or you need to drive during periods of inclement weather (such as snowfall and heavy rain), it is imperative to understand how poor visibility affects road safety. Even if you drive carefully during periods of poor visibility, other drivers do not always pay attention, which is especially dangerous if they drive too fast around a sharp turn or fail to stay on their side of the road.
Sadly, many drivers do not realize how dangerous fog is and it is important to review statistics on fog and motor vehicle collisions.
Reviewing the consequences of fog
According to the Federal Highway Administration, over 16,300 people sustain injuries as a result of traffic accidents that take place during foggy conditions each year. Moreover, these accidents result in the loss of more than 600 lives. In fact, more than 38,700 traffic collisions happen during foggy conditions every year. Fog and other weather-related hazards that affect visibility increase the likelihood of a motor vehicle crash by increasing speed variance, according to the FHWA.
Reviewing other factors that affect visibility
Aside from fog, there are other weather-related concerns that can interfere with your ability to see the road. For example, smoke, dust and wind-driven snow can make it very hard for people to see the road and other vehicles. If someone’s carelessness caused you to sustain injuries during an accident, it is vital to review the details of the case and determine the best path forward. Sadly, accidents that occur due to fog will continue to claim lives.
