Driving in Fog Near Knoxville: How to Stay Safe When Visibility Drops

Fog is common on fall and winter mornings, and it can cut visibility to a few car lengths with little warning. Here is how to drive through it around Knoxville and what to do if you break down or need to stop.

1. Know where fog forms

Fog rises off the Tennessee River and Fort Loudoun Lake around Knoxville, Farragut, and Maryville, and the ridges can trap it until mid-morning.

Fog is usually worst near water, in valleys, and in low spots in the road, and it tends to lift by mid-morning.

2. Drive for the conditions

• Slow down and leave much more space than usual between you and the car ahead.
• Use low beams and fog lights if you have them. High beams reflect off fog and make it harder to see.
• Use the right edge line or road reflectors as a guide, and avoid changing lanes or passing.
• Turn off the radio and crack a window so you can hear traffic you cannot see.

3. If visibility gets too low

If you cannot see well enough to drive safely, signal, pull as far off the road as you can, and turn on your hazard lights. Turn off other lights so drivers behind you do not follow your taillights off the road. Wait until the fog thins.

4. If your car breaks down in fog

• Get the car fully off the road if you can, and keep your hazard lights on.
• If it is safe, wait outside the car and away from traffic, behind a guardrail if there is one.
• Call 911 if your car is stuck in a lane of traffic.

5. Check road conditions

Before an early drive, look at the TDOT SmartWay map for fog advisories, closures, and crashes along your route.

If you need a tow or roadside help

Knoxville Towing offers 24/7 towing and roadside help across Knoxville, Farragut, Maryville, and Oak Ridge.