Fog increases risk of crashing for Kootenay/Boundary drivers
By Contributor
Foggy conditions are making driving even more hazardous in the Boundary, West Kootenays and Kootenay Lakes region this morning.
Visibility can decline in seconds – Highway 3 is already at near zero — increasing the risk of crashing.
“Even creeping along at 10 to 15 km/h can be dangerous,” says Trace Acres, spokesperson for the annual Shift into Winter campaign.
“Whether we drive for work or for pleasure, we all need to adjust our driving in the fog.”
Driving too fast for the conditions increases the risk of crashing. And for people who drive for work, being behind the wheel may be the most dangerous part of their job – regardless of whether they drive full time, part time, or only occasionally. Work-related crashes are the leading cause of traumatic workplace death in the province.
Most crashes are preventable if drivers take basic safety precautions.
“If it’s foggy, try to cancel or delay your trip. Waiting just an hour or two can make a difference to visibility,” Acres says.
If you have to travel, plan your route ahead of time by checking current road and weather conditions on DriveBC.ca. Then help keep yourself and your passengers safe by driving below the posted speed limit.
“Fog creates the illusion of slow motion so check your speedometer to monitor your speed. You might be going faster than you think.”
Follow these additional tips from Shift into Winter for driving in the fog:
- Drive with headlights and fog lights on. Don’t switch on your high beams.
- Use wipers and defrosters to help improve visibility.
- Use the fog line — the right edge of the highway — and other road markings as reference points.
- Avoid stopping on a busy road. Another driver might not see you until it’s too late. If possible, pull onto a side street or into a parking lot.
The 14th annual Shift into Winter campaign aims to reduce the number of winter-related crashes, injuries, and deaths on B.C. roads. It is supported by the Winter Driving Safety Alliance and managed by Road Safety at Work. Visit ShiftIntoWinter.ca for more tips on safe driving in winter conditions.
