Dense fog advisory active for Central Pa. until Thursday morning – visibility limited to 1/4 mile
At 1:53 a.m. on Thursday, the National Weather Service released an updated dense fog advisory in effect until 9 a.m. for Northern Centre and Southern Centre as well as Elk, Cameron, Clearfield, Cambria, Blair, Somerset and Bedford counties.
“Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog,” can be anticipated according to the weather service. “A light glaze of ice, especially on bridges and overpasses could contribute to the hazardous driving conditions.”
“Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” describes the weather service. “If driving, slow down, use your low-beam headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.”
Fog safety: Tips from the weather service for safe travels
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 driving in fog becomes unavoidable, remember these safety tips:
Reduce 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 also activate your taillights. If you have fog lights, use them.
Avoid high-beams:
Refrain from using high-beam headlights, as they create glare that impairs your visibility 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.
Zero visibility protocol:
In cases of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, initiate your hazard lights and locate a secure spot, such as a nearby business parking area, to pull over and come to a halt.
No parking options:
If there is no parking lot or driveway to pull into, pull your vehicle off to the side of the road as far as possible. Once you come to a stop, turn off all lights except your hazard flashing lights, set the emergency brake, and take your foot off of the brake pedal to be sure the tail lights are not illuminated so that other drivers don’t mistakenly run into you.
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.
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