On Monday at 5:48 a.m. the National Weather Service issued a dense fog advisory in effect until 11 a.m. for Clearfield, Cambria, Blair, Somerset and Bedford counties.
“Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog,” can be expected according to the weather service. “Widespread dense fog will persist this morning, as a moist and mild airmass interacts with the colder snow pack. Conditions should improve slowly throughout the morning hours.”
“Hazardous driving conditions due to visibilities below one quarter of a mile,” explains the weather service. “If driving, slow down, use your low-beam headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.”
Navigating fog: Safety tips by the weather service
If a dense fog advisory is issued for your area, it means that widespread dense fog has developed and visibility often drops to just a quarter-mile or less. These conditions can make driving challenging, so exercise extreme caution on the road, and if possible, consider delaying your trip.
If you must venture out in foggy conditions, keep these safety tips from the weather service in mind:
Reduce speed:
Slow down and allow extra travel time 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:
Maintain a significant following distance to account for abrupt stops or shifts in traffic patterns.
Stay in your lane:
To ensure you are staying in the correct lane, use the road’s lane markings as a guide.
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 precautions from the weather service, you can navigate foggy conditions more safely, reducing the likelihood of accidents and ensuring your personal safety.
