Driving in foggy weather presents unique risks, especially in a state like Washington, where low visibility often contributes to severe accidents. Fog-related crashes account for over 38,000 accidents annually in the U.S. Washington has experienced its fair share of these incidents, such as the 30-car pileup on I-90 near Kittitas, exacerbated by freezing fog conditions.
Consulting a car accident lawyer in Seattle can help protect your legal rights if you’ve been involved in a fog-related crash.
Here are the top mistakes drivers make in foggy weather that can lead to serious or fatal accidents—and how to avoid them.
1. Driving Too Fast for Conditions
Washington’s laws require drivers to adjust their speed based on visibility and weather conditions, even below the posted speed limit. Fog reduces visibility, and excessive speed can cause deadly collisions, such as the I-90 pileup. Studies show that speeding during low-visibility conditions significantly increases the risk of multi-vehicle accidents.
Tip: Slow down and maintain a safe following distance. If you are involved in an accident, consulting a Seattle car accident attorney can help you explore your legal options.
2. Failing to Use Proper Lighting
Many drivers mistakenly use high beams in foggy conditions, which reflect light back and worsen visibility. According to Washington’s vehicle code, drivers must use low-beam headlights or fog lights in low-visibility conditions to improve visibility without causing glare.
Tip: Use your fog lights when needed and avoid relying on high beams. If visibility is too poor, pulling over and waiting for conditions to improve is safer.
3. Following Too Closely
Tailgating in foggy weather is a common cause of rear-end collisions. Washington law mandates maintaining a safe distance between vehicles, especially in hazardous conditions. However, many drivers underestimate the time needed to react in low visibility, leading to chain-reaction crashes.
Tip: Keep at least twice the normal following distance. After an accident, an auto accident lawyer in Seattle, Washington, can help determine fault and navigate insurance claims.
4. Failing to Adjust to Visibility Changes
Fog density can vary quickly; failing to adjust speed or behavior can cause accidents. Drivers entering or exiting fog patches may misjudge stopping distances, resulting in dangerous collisions. Washington’s fog-prone highways, such as U.S. Highway 2 and I-5, are especially treacherous during winter.
Tip: Always remain vigilant and adjust your speed as visibility changes. A Seattle car wreck attorney can help you assess liability if you’ve been involved in a fog-related crash.
5. Ignoring Weather Warnings and Advisories
Ignoring weather alerts is a frequent mistake drivers make. Freezing fog and dense fog advisories are common in Washington, and failing to heed these warnings can have deadly consequences. During the I-90 incident, freezing fog was a primary contributor to the multi-car pileup, emphasizing the importance of staying informed.
Tip: Check weather conditions before driving. If conditions are hazardous, it’s best to delay travel. Should an accident occur, contacting a top-rated car accident lawyer in Seattle ensures you receive legal guidance.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Seattle After a Fog-Related Accident
Recovering compensation after a fog-related accident can be complex. Insurance companies may attempt to shift blame or deny claims, but a skilled injury attorney in Seattle can help protect your interests. Washington’s comparative negligence laws mean that even if you were partially at fault, you might still recover damages. Seeking guidance from a car accident attorney near me ensures you understand your rights and options.
Foggy weather increases the likelihood of accidents, but drivers can stay safer on the road by avoiding common mistakes. If an accident happens, an experienced Seattle car wreck attorney can help secure the compensation you need for medical expenses and vehicle repairs.
