Dense Fog Advisory Issued: Prioritize Safety

The National Weather Service issued a dense fog advisory on Thursday at 5:15 a.m., remaining in effect until 9 a.m. for higher elevations of Indiana and several counties in Pennsylvania, including Mercer, Venango, Forest, Lawrence, Butler, Clarion, Jefferson, Armstrong, and Indiana. This advisory signals potentially hazardous travel conditions due to significantly reduced visibility.

What to Expect with Dense Fog

The National Weather Service warns of visibility of one-quarter mile or less in areas affected by the dense fog. This drastic reduction in visibility can create extremely dangerous driving conditions. It’s crucial to adjust your driving habits and prioritize safety.

Driving Safely in Dense Fog: Essential Tips

When a dense fog advisory is in effect, widespread dense fog has developed, and visibility can drop rapidly. If possible, consider postponing your trip. If you must travel, follow these safety recommendations from the National Weather Service:

• Reduce Speed: Slow down significantly and allow ample time to reach your destination safely.
• Visibility is Key: Use low-beam headlights. These automatically activate your taillights, making your vehicle more visible to others. If equipped, utilize fog lights.
• Avoid High Beams: High-beam headlights can actually worsen visibility in fog by creating glare.
• Maintain a Safe Following Distance: Increase the distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you to allow for sudden stops.
• Stay in Your Lane: Use lane markings as a guide to ensure you remain in the correct lane.
• Near-Zero Visibility: If visibility drops to near zero, activate your hazard lights and pull over to a safe location, such as a business parking lot.
• Limited Parking: If no designated parking is available, pull as far off the road as possible. Turn off all lights except your hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to prevent your taillights from being visible and potentially causing a collision.

Remember, prioritizing safety is paramount when driving in dense fog. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce your risk of an accident and ensure a safer journey.

For more information on weather safety, visit the National Weather Service website. You can also find helpful driving tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

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