Fog means one thing — limited visibility. Fog is unpredictable and dangerous. You can be driving and run into fog out of nowhere. With that comes dangerous driving conditions. We always want you to arrive safely at your next destination and that’s why it’s important to note all of the things you can do to be cautious as you’re driving in fog.
4 need to know tips for truckers when driving in fog:
- Are you able to postpone your trip?
- Drive at a reduced speed
- Make sure your headlights are on
- Don’t pull over on the side of the road
Are you able to postpone your trip?
We understand that deadlines are deadlines, but with that said if you can’t arrive safely then how important is the deadline? Oftentimes, fog doesn’t last forever but there is no controlling it either. Contact your dispatcher and let them know what is going on. They will be able to check out the upcoming weather and let you know if it’s clear up ahead. Don’t be afraid to find a rest stop and wait it out.
Drive at a reduced speed
Fog makes it almost impossible to see in front of you and that means the vehicles in front of you may be driving slower than normal and you don’t want to cause an accident. Drive as slow as you can so that you are keeping yourself and the other drivers safe. Your reduced speed should depend on the weather conditions because not all fog is the same (some are denser than others).
Make sure your headlights are on
You want to be seen in the fog! That means you should have your low beam headlights and foglights on even in the daylight. Visibility is key.
Don’t pull over on the side of the road
Other drivers may not see that you are pulled over on the side of the road until it is too late. That’s why you should never park on the side of the road when there is fog. Find the nearest exit or rest area and pull off there until the coast is clear again.
No matter the weather, you should always take your time and obey all traffic laws when driving in order to protect the other drivers out on the road. Just like other severe weather conditions, fog hinders you from seeing what’s right in front of you.
Lastly, remember that if you ever find yourself in a bad situation as a truck driver, North Dixie Truck and Trailer, Inc. offers 24/7 emergency services. Simply call us at 1-800-440-9523 and we’ll be right there to help get you back on the road.