Fog, driving and safety: myths, realities and essential tips

Like ice storms— once seen as a rare event—, foggy days are becoming increasingly common due to climate change. Visibility on the road is reduced as a result. Fog therefore significantly increases the risk of accidents, no matter the season! Read on to learn the right reflexes to adopt in these conditions and stay safe on the road.

1) Why fog can quickly become dangerous

Driving in fog adds an extra layer of complexity for motorists:

Reduced visibility: Drivers may have more difficulty seeing traffic signs, pedestrians, animals or other objects on the road.

Black ice: Foggy conditions can develop or change very quickly, often when least expected. For example, temperatures reaching freezing point can lead to freezing fog, which can cause black ice.

Longer stopping distances: Drivers may have more difficulty judging distances, and braking distances may be longer.

Optical effects: Reduced visibility can lead to errors in judgment or cause optical effects, such as halos of light.

So, what should you do to drive safely in fog? The key is to slow down. Increase the distance between your vehicle and the one ahead and resist the temptation to overtake. It is also essential to adapt your driving to current road conditions. The risk of encountering this weather phenomenon is very real: most drivers can expect to encounter fog at least once a year.

On average, there are 53 fatal road accidents each year in Canada in which fog was a major contributing factor. According to the Government of Canada, fog is responsible for more deaths in the country than lightning or tornadoes!

2) Understanding fog: types and formation

Fog is a cloud of particles in the air, usually composed of water droplets and ice crystals, in sufficient numbers to reduce visibility. It is often confused with mist; however, fog is denser and results in more limited visibility than mist.

Be aware that several types of fog can occur: frontal, winter, freezing or radiation fog, for example. The Grand dictionnaire terminologique refers to a fog bank. Our advice before heading out on the road? Consult the impact guides to better anticipate how upcoming weather conditions may affect your drive.

3) Myths vs. realities: what many drivers still believe

High beams improve visibility

False. High beams are designed to illuminate the area far ahead of the vehicle, allowing drivers to see long distances ahead on unlit roads. However, contrary to popular belief, it’s best to turn them off in fog, rain or snow. These conditions reflect the light from high beams, which reduces visibility while driving.

Front fog lights, on the other hand, are extremely useful. They improve visibility on the road in foggy conditions. With their wide beams, they illuminate the road directly in front of the vehicle.

Fog is toxic

False. Generally speaking, fog consists mainly of water vapour and is not toxic. By contrast, smog—a contraction of the words smoke and fog—is a mixture of fog and pollutants that is harmful to health. It can cause irritation to the eyes, throat and respiratory system. Recently, in December 2025, a thick toxic fog blanketed the city of New Delhi, pushing air pollution levels beyond recorded limits.

4) Modern tips for a more relaxed driving experience

All new vehicles sold on the market are now equipped with several driver-assistance technologies. For example, lane-keeping assist is a feature that alerts the driver when they drift out of their lane and can steer the car back to the centre of the lane. However, in foggy conditions, this technology may not detect the road markings.

Other devices can be added to the vehicle, such as a thermal night vision system. Driver-assistance technologies, or technological devices, can therefore contribute to greater safety on the road. However, they are just one more tool in the driver’s arsenal; don’t rely on them blindly!

5) Simple steps to stay safe

There are several tips that can help you stay safe on the road during the winter season. Fog, driving and safety: here are the right reflexes to adopt!

• Turn on your low beams and fog lights.
• Never use high beams.
• Slow down and increase the distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you.
• Avoid overtaking other vehicles.
• Turn off cruise control.
• Pull over in a safe location and turn on your hazard lights.

6) Auto insurance: an essential safety net

It’s a fact: even with the right reflexes, accidents don’t just happen to other people. Fog isn’t just a simple morning mist: it obscures landmarks, distorts distances and reduces your margin for error in a matter of seconds. As you now know, however, it is still possible to drive safely in foggy conditions.

But to prevent a “simple mist” from turning into a financial storm, stay extra vigilant and make sure your auto insurance coverage is up to the unexpected! Don’t wait any longer: get an online auto insurance quote today!

FAQ – Driving in fog

1. Which lights should you use in fog?
When visibility is reduced, use low beams or fog lights. Avoid high beams, as their intensity reflects off water droplets and can cause even more glare. Fog lights are designed to cast a lower and wider beam, which improves visibility of the road.

2. How should you handle freezing fog and black ice?
Freezing fog can quickly turn the road into a slippery surface. Black ice, which is nearly invisible, is particularly treacherous on bridges, overpasses and roads that get little sun exposure. Slow down, increase your following distance and avoid sudden manoeuvres.

3. What should I do if I can hardly see anything?
If visibility is poor, slow down gradually without braking suddenly and turn on your hazard lights if necessary. If the situation becomes too dangerous, pull over in a safe location away from traffic and wait until conditions improve.