Fog-related crashes in Austria reach 20-year high

Austria recorded 730 road crashes causing injuries or deaths in fog last year, the highest number in at least 20 years, ORF reports, citing figures released by mobility club ÖAMTC and data from Statistics Austria. Seventeen people died in the crashes.

Excessive speed and too little distance from the vehicle ahead were the main risk factors, the ÖAMTC said. It advised drivers to slow down, leave more space and use dipped headlights in fog.

Lower Austria had the most fog-related crashes resulting in injuries, with 219, more than twice its 2024 total. Upper Austria recorded 168 and Styria 135, also more than double the previous year. Vienna had 46, four times its 2024 figure.

Numbers fell in Salzburg, Vorarlberg and Tyrol, with 28, 27 and 26 crashes respectively. Burgenland recorded the fewest, at 23, but that was still more than twice its 2024 total.

The ÖAMTC warned that following the rear lights of the vehicle ahead can create a false sense of security and lead to insufficient distance, particularly on rural roads and motorways. It recommends keeping to the right edge of the road and avoiding overtaking. Drivers should also stay alert near roadworks, junctions and on roads with limited visibility, and avoid phone use and other distractions. Fatigue can also reduce attention and reaction times.

Daytime running lights alone may not be enough because rear lights are often off when they are used. Fog lights and the rear fog lamp should be used only when visibility is sufficiently poor and switched off when it improves. High beams are unsuitable because their light reflects off the fog and can further reduce visibility.

Drivers aged 20 to 29 accounted for about 20 per cent of those involved in fog crashes causing injury. ÖAMTC traffic psychologist Marion Seidenberger said younger drivers may lack the experience to adjust to difficult weather and traffic conditions.