25 Crash Causes: Fog | Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C.
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25 Crash Causes: Fog

Written by Jared Staver

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Jared Staver is a Personal Injury Lawyer based in Chicago, Illinois and has been practicing law for over 20 years.

Jared Staver

CATEGORY: Auto Accidents, Personal Injury, Top 25 Causes of Car Crashes


Fog typically forms when there is a significant temperature difference between the ground and air. This can happen when cool air passes over moist land or when warm air moves over snow-covered roads. Fog is also more common in areas laden with high humidity, close to bodies of water, or located in deep valleys where cool air sinks.

Even though on a scientific level fog can be viewed as merely accumulated water vapor, it still presents real challenges to drivers on local roads and highways. Heavy ground fog can greatly reduce visibility and depth perception.

On a foggy night, motorists might not be able to respond as quickly as usual to unexpected situations. Because their surroundings are obscured, drivers can fail to notice road obstacles, oncoming traffic, or stop signals.

Fog can indeed contribute to fatal car crashes and should be regarded as a serious safety hazard to drivers of all ages and experience levels. In fact, Midwestern states, including Illinois, reportedly suffered the second highest number of fog-related fatal crashes from 1990-2012.

Driving Safely in Foggy Conditions

With the proper precautions, traveling safely during foggy conditions is possible. We recommend the following safety tips:

  • Turn on your low beams and hazard lights to improve visibility and alert other drivers of your presence on the road. Do not use high beams since water droplets from fog can spread and reflect light, further diminishing visibility.
  • Avoid switching lanes if possible.
  • Reduce speed even if you think the road is empty.
  • Turn on defrosters and use windshield wipers when helpful.
  • Do not switch to cruise control.
  • Increase your following distance behind other cars so that you have more room if you need to come to a sudden stop.
  • Reduce distractions by turning off the radio and avoiding phone use.

By paying attention to your surroundings, slowing down, and focusing on the task at hand, you can avert most car accidents that involve fog.

How Our Lawyers Can Help

Despite regularly practicing safe driving techniques, some car accidents are unavoidable, especially in difficult weather conditions. If you suffered a serious injury from a recent collision caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have a claim for compensation of your injuries and other damages. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you recover compensation for the cost of accident-related medical bills, lost wages, car repairs, and other expenses.

The knowledgeable attorneys at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. can walk you through the entire personal injury process and help prepare a legal claim against the liable party. Our goal is to obtain the maximum available compensation so that you can focus on healing as quickly as possible, without the added stress of filling out paperwork and battling insurance adjusters.

Our car accident attorneys serve clients throughout the Chicago area, including Aurora, Elgin, Hinsdale, Joliet, Naperville, and Waukegan. At Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., we value open communication with our clients at every stage and strive to provide quality legal services to people from all walks of life. To get the process started, call (312) 236-2900 to schedule a free, one-on-one consultation session with our experienced lawyers today.

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