The National Weather Service issued a weather alert at 9:17 p.m. on Tuesday for dense fog until Wednesday at 5 a.m. The alert is for Dade, Walker, Catoosa, Whitfield, Murray, Fannin, Gilmer, Union, Towns, Chattooga, Gordon, Pickens, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Floyd, Bartow, Cherokee, Polk, Paulding and Haralson counties.
"Patchy dense fog will restrict visibilities to less than one-half of a mile across parts of north Georgia. This fog will likely expand in areal coverage later tonight, and a Dense Fog Advisory may be needed. If driving this morning, slow down, use low-beam headlights and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front of you," says the NWS.
Navigating fog: Safety tips by the NWS
If you must drive in foggy conditions, keep the following safety tips in mind:
Moderate your speed:
• Slow down and allocate extra time for your trip 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 available, employ your fog lights.
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.
Visibility near zero:
• In cases of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, activate your hazard lights and seek a safe spot, like a nearby business parking lot, to pull over and stop.
Limited parking options:
• If no parking area is available, pull your vehicle as far to the roadside as possible. Once stationary, turn off 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 recommendations from the NWS, you can navigate foggy conditions with greater safety, mitigating the risk of accidents and prioritizing your well-being.
Source: The National Weather Service
