A weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Monday at 3:56 a.m. for dense fog until 10 a.m.
"Areas of dense fog were developing during the predawn hours over the Florida Big Bend and Nature coasts. This fog was pushing slowly eastward across the Suwannee and Withlacoochee Rivers, and fog should continue to spread eastward towards the Interstate 75 corridor in the Suwannee Valley and north central Florida towards sunrise. Fog may linger through the mid- morning hours before dissipating. Use extra caution and plan for longer commute times if traveling along the I-75 corridor and points westward this morning. Use your low beam headlights and make sure to leave plenty of distance between the vehicle in front of you," according to the NWS.
Navigating fog: Safety tips by the NWS
If you need to drive through fog, remember these safety guidelines:
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 headlights, as they create glare that impairs your visibility on the road.
Keep a safe distance:
• Maintain a significant following distance to account for abrupt stops or shifts in traffic patterns.
Stay in your lane:
• Use the road's lane markings as a guide to remaining 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 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 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
