The National Weather Service issued a weather alert at 10:33 p.m. on Friday for dense fog until Saturday at 2 a.m. The alert is for Dade, Walker, Catoosa, Whitfield, Murray, Fannin, Gilmer, Chattooga, Gordon, Pickens, Floyd, Bartow, Polk, Paulding and Haralson counties.
"Some patchy dense fog will restrict visibilities to less than one-half of a mile across parts of northwest Georgia overnight. If driving tonight and early tomorrow morning, slow down, use low-beam headlights and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front of you," says the NWS.
Fog safety: Tips from the NWS for safe travels
If you need to drive through fog, remember these safety guidelines:
Moderate your speed:
• Slow down and allow extra travel time to reach your destination safely.
Visibility matters:
• Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which also activate your taillights. If you have fog lights, use them.
Avoid high-beams:
• Refrain from using high-beam lights, as they create glare, making it more difficult for you to see what’s ahead of you on the road.
Keep a safe distance:
• Maintain a generous following distance to account for abrupt stops or shifting traffic patterns.
Stay in your lane:
• Use the road's lane markings as a guide to staying in the correct lane.
Zero visibility protocol:
• In cases of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, initiate your hazard lights and locate a secure spot, such as a nearby business parking area, to pull over and come to a halt.
Limited parking options:
• If no designated parking area is available, pull your vehicle as far off the road as possible. Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.
By adhering to these NWS recommendations, you can navigate foggy conditions more safely, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring your well-being.
Source: The National Weather Service
