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How-to guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
How to Drive in Fog: Low Beams, Slow Speed, Safe Stops
Fog, particularly when dense, can be hazardous to drivers, and the National Weather Service says it contributes to numerous travel accidents every year. This guide covers how to drive in fog, what to do when visibility drops to near zero, and what dense fog and freezing fog advisories mean, using National Weather Service guidance, plus the checks our Michigan City service team can handle before the season.
1/4 mi.or less: visibility often seen when a Dense Fog Advisory is issued (NWS)
1 mi.or less: typical visibility in freezing fog (NWS)
Lowbeams on, so your taillights are on too (NWS)
0times to use high beams in fog: they cause glare (NWS)
The short answer
Slow down and allow extra time. Turn on your low-beam headlights (and fog lights if you have them) so you can be seen from ahead and behind, and never use high beams. Leave plenty of distance and follow the lines on the road with your eyes. If visibility is near zero, turn on your hazards and pull into a safe spot such as a parking lot and stop.
Fog and fog advisories
Fog, particularly when dense, can be hazardous to drivers, mariners and aviators, the National Weather Service says, and it contributes to numerous travel accidents every year. Your local NWS office issues advisories when fog gets bad enough to affect travel:
- Dense Fog Advisory: issued when widespread dense fog develops. Visibility frequently drops to one-quarter mile or less, and travel is difficult. Take extra caution on the road or avoid driving if possible.
- Freezing Fog Advisory: issued when fog develops and surface temperatures are at or below freezing. The tiny liquid droplets in the fog can freeze instantly to any surface, including vehicles and road surfaces, and visibility is typically at or below 1 mile.
Freezing fog adds an ice risk to the visibility problem: the droplets can freeze on the road surface, so drive as if the road may be slick.
From the National Weather Service, "Fog Safety Overview" and "Fog Advisories," read October 27, 2026.
How to drive in fog
If you must drive in foggy conditions, the National Weather Service recommends:
| Tip | What to do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Slow down | Slow down and allow extra time to reach your destination. | You need more time to react to what appears out of the fog. |
| Low beams on | Use your low-beam headlights, and fog lights if you have them. | It makes you visible ahead and behind, because your taillights are also on. |
| No high beams | Never use your high-beam lights. | High beams cause glare, making it harder to see what is ahead. |
| Leave distance | Leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front. | It accounts for sudden stops or changes in the traffic pattern. |
| Follow the lines | Follow the lines on the road with your eyes. | It helps you stay in the proper lane. |
From the National Weather Service, "Driving in Fog," read October 27, 2026. The "why" for slowing down is our summary.
When visibility is near zero
In extremely dense fog where visibility is near zero, the National Weather Service says the best course of action is to get off the road:
1. Hazards first
Turn on your hazard lights.
2. Find a safe spot
Pull into a safe location, such as the parking lot of a local business, and stop.
3. No lot? Pull far off
If there is no parking lot or driveway, pull your vehicle off to the side of the road as far as possible.
4. Lights and brakes
Once stopped on the roadside, turn off all lights except your hazard flashers, set the emergency brake and take your foot off the brake pedal, so your taillights are not lit and other drivers do not mistakenly run into you.
From the National Weather Service, "Driving in Fog," read October 27, 2026.
Before you go
Find out about driving conditions before you leave home, and give yourself plenty of time to get there safely, INDOT advises. Its winter tips also say to check your vehicle's tires, wiper blades, fluids, lights, belts and hoses, and to remove snow from the windows, lights, brake lights and signals so you can see and be seen. When visibility is limited, INDOT's advice is to stay attentive, reduce speed and know what is going on around you.
Before a longer trip in winter weather, the National Weather Service recommends making sure all fluid levels are full and that the lights, heater and windshield wipers are in proper condition.
From INDOT, "Winter Driving Safety Tips," and the National Weather Service, "Prepare! Don't Let a Winter Storm Take You by Surprise," read October 27, 2026.
Pre-season checks at Michigan City Ford
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. Our maintenance guide lists windshield washer fluid among the fluids a top-off covers, along with oil, radiator, transmission, power steering and brake fluid.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, October 27, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Fog driving FAQ
Should I use high beams in fog?
No. The National Weather Service says never to use your high-beam lights in fog, because they cause glare and make it more difficult to see what is ahead of you. Use your low-beam headlights, and fog lights if you have them.
Why use low beams in fog?
Low-beam headlights make your vehicle visible both ahead of you and behind you, the NWS says, because using them means your taillights are also on.
How do I stay in my lane in thick fog?
Follow the lines on the road with your eyes, slow down, and leave plenty of distance to the vehicle in front of you for sudden stops or changes in the traffic pattern, according to the National Weather Service.
What should I do if I cannot see in fog?
In extremely dense fog where visibility is near zero, the NWS says to turn on your hazard lights first, then pull into a safe location such as a business parking lot and stop. If there is no lot or driveway, pull as far off the road as possible, turn off all lights except the hazard flashers, set the emergency brake and take your foot off the brake pedal.
What is a Dense Fog Advisory?
Your local National Weather Service office issues a Dense Fog Advisory when widespread dense fog develops. Visibility frequently drops to one-quarter mile or less, which makes travel difficult; the NWS says to take extra caution or avoid driving if possible.
What is freezing fog?
The NWS issues a Freezing Fog Advisory when fog develops and surface temperatures are at or below freezing. The tiny droplets in the fog can freeze instantly to any surface, including vehicles and road surfaces, and visibility is typically 1 mile or less.
Can Michigan City Ford check my car before fog and winter season?
Yes. The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. Our maintenance guide lists windshield washer fluid among the fluids a top-off covers.
Get your car ready for low-visibility season
Book The Works, which includes a Multi-Point Inspection, at Michigan City Ford.
Sources
Driving and safety guidance is from the National Weather Service and the Indiana Department of Transportation, read October 27, 2026. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website, checked the same day. Your owner's manual is the final word for your vehicle's lights. Photo is illustrative.
- Driving in Fog, National Weather Service, read October 27, 2026
- Fog Safety Overview, National Weather Service, read October 27, 2026
- Fog Advisories (dense fog, freezing fog), National Weather Service, read October 27, 2026
- Prepare! Don't Let a Winter Storm Take You by Surprise (vehicle checks), National Weather Service, read October 27, 2026
- Winter Driving Safety Tips (preparation, limited visibility), Indiana Department of Transportation, read October 27, 2026
- General service: The Works, fluid levels, Michigan City Ford, October 27, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, October 27, 2026