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Although they may not typically be thought of as dramatic weather hazards, dense fog and smoke events are. They both impair a driver’s visibility, can lead to reduced roadway speeds, speed variabilities and increased risks of crashing. 

NBC-2 reported on a brush fire near I-75 in Punta Gorda, FL which created a smoky drive for commuters last month. 

In May 2015, WINK News and the Naples Daily News reported on the largest wildfire in the United States. The fire occurred in the Mud Lake Complex of the Big Cypress National Preserve when lightning strikes caused a series of wildfires. Over 35,000 acres burned in the Big Cypress National Preserve. The wildfires lasted almost a month. Haze and smoky air from the fire drifted as far away as 100 miles because of windy conditions. Heavy smoke made visibility less than one mile in some areas on I-75. 

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ statistics for 2014 traffic accidents caused by fog, smog and/or smoke in Florida reported 17 fatalities and 807 injuries. 

Smoke-fog is a common phenomenon in Central and Southern Florida and much of the southeastern United States. Also called super fog and fog-smoke, it occurs when smoke from wildland fires builds up overnight, and combines with morning radiation fog, according to GasBuddy.com.

The National Fire Protection Association estimates there are an average of 334,200 brush, grass and forest fires each year. 

• 47% are started by smoking materials such as cigarettes or cigars
• 16% are caused by lightning strikes
• 20% are attributed to arson
• The remainder are due to human carelessness or equipment sparks.

Where do most fog- and smoke-related crashes occur? 

Crashes involving chain reactions on interstate expressways tend to attract a lot of attention; however, only 14 percent of vision-obstructed fatal accidents occur on interstates, according to NIU (Northern Illinois University) Newsroom. 

Researchers from the American Meteorological Society published a study in May 2016 showing that fog-, smoke-, and dust-related accidents to be most common on state highways, which accounted for 33 percent of these crashes. 

What can be done to prevent roadway accidents during fires? 

Consumer Reports says that vehicles with lane departure warning and forward collision warning systems are intended to help drivers maintain proper vehicle positioning and avoid rear-end crashes (two scenarios that are highly applicable to fog- and smoke-related situations). 

The coordinated traffic safety efforts of the local Sheriff’s Department, the Forest Service, the Florida Highway Patrol and the Florida Department of Transportation are important in situations where there are fires. Roads can be blocked by postings when there is severe smoke. 

Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles urges all drivers encountering fog or smoke to heed their advisory: 

1. DRIVE WITH LIGHTS on low beam.
2. SLOW DOWN.
3. WATCH OUT for slow-moving and parked vehicles. Listen for traffic you cannot see. Open your window a little, to hear better.
4. REDUCE THE DISTRACTIONS in your vehicle.
5. USE WIPERS AND DEFROSTERS liberally for maximum visibility.
6. USE THE RIGHT EDGE of the road or painted road markings as a guide.
7. BE PATIENT. Avoid passing and/or changing lanes.
8. SIGNAL TURNS well in advance and brake early as you approach a stop.
9. DO NOT STOP on a freeway or heavily traveled road. If you must pull off the road, signal (People tend to follow tail lights when driving in fog), and then carefully pull off as far as possible. After pulling off the road, turn on your hazard flashers. (Hazard lights should only be used when you pull over to show that you are parked on the side of the road.) Move away from the vehicle.

“Not all drivers drive responsibly when there is fog and/or smoke in the area. Should you or a loved one be involved in an accident because of irresponsible drivers, seek medical attention first, then contact the experienced team at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.,” said Port Charlotte Vehicle Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey.

Port Charlotte Vehicle Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.