See and be seen: Prevention tips for navigating February fog I PEMCO

Living in the Pacific Northwest means embracing all kinds of weather, from steady drizzle to those postcard‑perfect misty mornings. And while Seattle and Portland get plenty of attention for their rain, locals know that fog is also a familiar companion during our cooler months, especially late fall through early spring when conditions are just right for it to form.  

On those chilly mornings, overnight cooling and lingering moisture can team up to create thick, low‑lying fog that hangs over neighborhoods, bridges, and valleys—often right when everyone’s heading out for school or the morning commute. 

Long‑term climate data shows just how common fog is in our corner of the country: Seattle sees about 165 foggy days each year, and Portland experiences around 125, according to decades of weather records from the NOAA National Climatic Data Center and the World Data Center for Meteorology. With fog showing up so often—even as our days start to brighten toward spring—it remains one of the more persistent visibility challenges for Northwest drivers. 

Whether you’re driving along one of our busy Northwest highways, navigating small‑town streets, or crossing a foggy bridge on your morning commute, these simple habits can help you stay safe and look out for the neighbors who share your road. 

How to drive in fog 

With a few simple, prevention‑minded habits, you can feel more confident behind the wheel when visibility drops. 

Slow down. Reduced visibility means less time to react. Driving at a slower, more cautious speed helps you better anticipate obstacles, traffic signals, and stopped vehicles ahead. 

Increase your following distance. In foggy conditions, bump your following distance from the standard two to three seconds to six seconds or more. Most fog-related collisions happen because drivers can’t see slowing traffic in time to brake. 

Use low beam headlights. Low beams (and fog lights, if your vehicle has them) help illuminate the road without bouncing light off the fog. 

Avoid high beams—they reflect light back at you and make visibility worse. 

Turn off cruise control. Maintaining hands-on control of your speed helps you better sense road conditions and react quickly. 

Minimize distractions. Crack the window slightly and lower the radio so you can listen for nearby traffic, cyclists, or emergency vehicles. Staying alert is especially important when you can’t rely on sight alone. 

Avoid using hazard lights while moving. Hazard lights may confuse drivers behind you into thinking you’re stopped. Instead, use regular headlights and brake lights as intended. 

If conditions get too dense, wait it out. Fog can shift quickly. If you start to feel uneasy or visibility drops to only a few car lengths, consider pulling into a parking lot and giving it a few minutes to lift. Prevention often means knowing when not to drive. 

Use the “fog line”. That solid white line on the right side of the road can appear clearer than lane dividers and helps you stay oriented when visibility shrinks. 

Turn on your wipers and defroster. Fog doesn’t always trigger automatic wipers, even when mist accumulates on your windshield. Manually use your wipers and adjust your defroster to keep the glass clear. 

Watch the temperature. Late winter fog can quickly become freezing fog, creating a thin, nearly invisible layer of ice. If temps hover around freezing, drive as if you may encounter black ice—slow, steady, and without sudden braking. 

A safer start to spring 

If you live in the PNW, you’ve probably noticed the fog hanging around our morning commutes lately. While it can make the drive feel a bit more, well… “adventurous,” a little preparation and prevention go a long way. 

With these expert tips, you’ll be ready to navigate fog like a seasoned Northwest driver. 
Stay alert, stay patient, and stay safe out there, PNWers!