An updated report was issued from the National Weather Service on Tuesday at 12:51 a.m. for fog until 8:30 a.m. The alert is for Dade, Walker, Catoosa, Whitfield, Murray, Fannin, Gilmer, Union, Towns, Chattooga, Gordon, Pickens and Floyd counties.
"Some patchy freezing fog has developed across north and northwest Georgia with visibilities between one quarter mile to 2 miles. Temperatures in these areas are currently at or just below freezing and poses a risk for a very thing glaze of ice to develop on elevated surfaces through the early morning hours. Improving conditions are expected shortly after sunrise as temperatures rise. If driving, slow down, use low-beam headlights and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front of you," according to the NWS.
Fog safety: Tips from the NWS for safe travels
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 priority:
• Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which automatically activate your taillights. Utilize fog lights if your vehicle is equipped with 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:
• Keep a considerable following distance to account for sudden 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 situations of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, activate your hazard lights and seek a secure location, such as a nearby business's parking lot, to pull over and come to a 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 remain unlit, minimizing the chance of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.
By adhering to these precautions from the NWS, you can navigate foggy conditions more safely, reducing the likelihood of accidents and ensuring your personal safety.
Source: The National Weather Service
