Since Las Vegas does not experience fog too often, many drivers become very nervous when they encounter fog, and start to speed up while driving. This is the most dangerous thing to do, and drivers should remind themselves to not speed up and check their speedometer. Driving at normal posted speeds can be dangerous. You are more likely to encounter fog on vacation to San Francisco or Chicago.
Here are tips for surviving Las Vegas fog:
- Drive slowly. When you cannot clearly see what is ahead of you, do not fully stop.
- You should always have headlights on when driving in fog. Some drivers think their lights are blinding them because of the reflection off of the fog, but headlights are to be used so that other vehicles can see your car.
- Follow the white line on the right side of the pavement. This line helps drivers clearly see the road and allows drivers to more easily stay in their lanes.
- Keep your distance. Bunching up while driving in foggy conditions could cause an accident or a pile up.
- Do not use high beams, which reflect off of the fog’s water vapor and reduce visibility.
- Use low beams or fog lamps if your car is equipped with them. This improves your vehicle’s visibility.
- If it is just too foggy to drive safely, and you do not feel confident, stop driving until the fog dissipates. Remember that if you cannot see while driving, neither can other drivers.
- If you must stop, park completely off the road. Stop in a side street, parking lot, driveway, rest area, or any safe spot away from the traffic flow. It is crucial to turn off your lights. If your lights stay on, drivers might think you are on the roadway and drive into you.
Most dense fog is temporary and it is always safest to wait until it has lifted. Drivers must make adjustments when driving through dense Las Vegas fog.