A weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Saturday at 7:18 a.m. for dense fog until 10 a.m. The alert is for Floyd, Bartow and Cherokee counties.
"Some patchy dense fog will restrict visibilities to less than one-half of a mile across north and northwestern Georgia. The fog should lift after 10 am. If driving this morning, slow down, use low-beam headlights and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front of you," states 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 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 available, employ your fog lights.
Avoid high-beams:
• Refrain from using high-beam headlights, as they create glare that impairs your visibility on the road.
Maintain safe gaps:
• Maintain a generous following distance to account for abrupt stops or shifting traffic patterns.
Stay in your lane:
• To ensure you are staying in the correct lane, use the road's lane markings as a guide.
Zero visibility strategy:
• In extremely dense fog where visibility is near zero, the best course of action is to first turn on your hazard lights, then simply pull into a safe location such as a parking lot of a local business, and stop.
No 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 NWS recommendations, you can navigate foggy conditions more safely, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring your well-being.
Source: The National Weather Service
