Drivers urged to take care in fog

Published on 23 June 2017

Federation Council residents are being reminded to drive with caution in the Council area where thick fog is currently present.

What is Fog and what is Mist?

According to Wikipedia - Fog is a cloud that is in contact with the ground.

Although mist and fog look like smoke, they are actually tiny drops of water floating in the air.

They can be described as clouds that have formed at ground level.

Fog is distinguished from mist only by its density, as expressed in the resulting decrease in visibility: Fog reduces visibility to less than 1 km, whereas mist reduces visibility to a larger distance. 

When can we expect to find fog?

Fog occurs because the air has become cooled down below its dew point.

The difference between temperature and dew point is generally less than 2.5 °C.

The level and thickness of the fog will vary greatly depending on the prevailing environmental and geographic conditions.

It is important to be alert to the changing thickness of the fog.

Where can we expect to drive in fog?

During cold weather you can expect to find fog early in the morning, particularly where the road lies in an area where there is plenty of moisture or near a lower portion of the ground. 

This could most likely be near river valleys, lakes and harbours.

Mist usually occurs near the shores, and is often associated with fog.

Mist can also be as high as mountain tops when extreme temperatures are low.

Why is it so dangerous to drive in fog and mist and what are the reasons for the increase in accidents?

Contributing factors to the high accident rates include:

• Reduced visibility as road users struggle to see with any clarity.
• Failure by drivers to change their driving habits for the inclement conditions.
• Insufficient following distances as cars tend to follow each other a little too close.
• Drivers are driving at inconsistent speeds.
• Some drivers tend to drive too fast believing they can escape the fog sooner if they go faster.
• Failure from traffic authorities to close roads shrouded in thick fog.

Safe Driving Advice and Recommendations

With the necessary caution and driver alertness, many of these accidents can be avoided.