Fog-related crashes hit a 20-year high in Austria

Austria recorded its highest number of fog-related crashes in two decades in 2025, with Styria also reporting a sharp increase, ORF Steiermark reported.

Statistics Austria counted 730 crashes involving personal injury across the country, in which 17 people died. People aged 20 to 29 made up about 20 percent of those involved. Lower Austria had the most crashes, with 219, while Styria ranked third with 135.

Styria’s total was nearly double the 68 crashes recorded in 2024. A common cause is driving too fast for conditions while leaving too little distance from the vehicle ahead, said Roland Frisch, a driving-technique instructor with ÖAMTC.

Frisch advised drivers to reduce their speed and increase their following distance in fog. Dipped headlights should be on so the rear of the vehicle is also illuminated. Fog lights and the rear fog light should be used only when visibility is sufficiently limited, while high beams are unsuitable because their light reflects off the fog.

Drivers should use the edge of the road or road markings to help navigate, avoid distractions and refrain from overtaking, particularly near roadworks or at places with poor visibility.