As most UK drivers will have experienced, fog and mist on the roads can make driving conditions extremely hazardous, due to reduced visibility and the consequent danger posed by other vehicles. Because fog can descend suddenly and alternate between patchy and dense from moment to moment, road users need to stay particularly alert, and adjust their driving behaviour rapidly according to the conditions.
While the best advice is to avoid driving in heavy fog, those setting off for work or to take children to school early in the morning, or returning home in the evenings, will sometimes inevitably encounter a combination of fog and darkness on the roads, and as a result will face a far greater than average risk of being involved in road traffic accidents.
Accidents Caused by Drivers Braking Suddenly in Foggy Weather
A common reason for accidents on the roads during periods of fog or mist and poor visibility is when drivers do not leave enough braking distance between their vehicle and the vehicle in front. Because most drivers are cautious when they cannot see the road in front of them properly, they may brake suddenly for no apparent reason, and if the driver behind has not allowed themselves sufficient distance to brake in time a collision will occur.
Collisions Involving Stationary Vehicles at Junctions During Fog
When fog is thick, visibility will be severely reduced, meaning that a driver may be unable to see a vehicle in front of them stationary at a junction until the last minute, and if they have not allowed enough time to brake they will crash into the rear of the stationary vehicle. Circumstances of this kind can lead to multiple vehicle collisions or pile ups, especially on faster roads, where none of the vehicles behind can stop in time to avoid being involved.
Drivers Must Alter Driving Habits to Account for Poor Visibility
While most road users take extra precautions during foggy weather, mainly by observing the need to reduce speed and pay greater than normal attention to road conditions, others will inevitably fail to alter their driving habits in response to poor visibility on the roads, and the extra risk of accidents this poses. Good visibility is crucial to safe driving conditions, and this is why so many road traffic accidents happen during periods of heavy fog and mist.
Solicitors Claiming Compensation for Road Traffic Accidents
Over the last 40 years Bartletts Solicitors has successfully claimed compensation for 1,000’s of road users injured due to reckless and negligent driving. Bartletts have a tradition of commitment, hard work, and the highest levels of expertise in advising people injured due to reckless driving on their legal rights. Client care is our highest priority. Our specialist solicitors ensure that you are always kept up to date with every aspect of your case, and we aim obtain the maximum amount of damages for our clients with the minimum of fuss.
Make a free compensation enquiry today
For specialist advice on your personal injury claim, call us now on Liverpool 0151 227 3391 or Chester 01244 645830 or Wrexham 01978 360056 or complete a Free Online Enquiry and we will soon be in touch.
