MOTORIST ALERT: Patchy Dense Fog May Develop Overnight and Daybreak Tomorrow Morning

National Weather Service in Melbourne advises that if you are on the road, allow extra time

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Patchy dense fog may develop overnight and towards daybreak tomorrow morning.

The National Weather Service in Melbourne advises that if you are on the road, allow extra time and be sure to use low beam headlights.

Dense fog can create dangerous conditions on the road, especially if it’s extremely dense fog or combined with other severe weather conditions. The safest thing to do is pull over into a parking area until the fog clears.

If you must continue your trip, keep in mind these tips for driving in fog:

• Minimize distractions. Silence your cell phone and the stereo. Put distractions like your cell phone in a place where you won’t be tempted to reach for them while driving, like the glove compartment.
• Reduce your speed. Because you can’t see the road or other vehicles, low speed can help you react safely.
• Roll down your window. This allows you to listen for cars and emergency vehicles.
• Use roadside reflectors as a guide. The markings can help you navigate twists and turns.
• Turn off cruise control. This will maximize the control of your vehicle.
• Use windshield wipers and defrosters. Limits excess moisture on the window and reduces glare.
• Drive with low beams and fog lights. High beams can worsen visibility because they reflect off the fog.
• Use the right edge of the road as a guide. Helps you stay in your lane and not “drift” into the middle lane.
• Increase your following distance from other cars to ensure you have the proper time to respond to any obstacles. A good rule of thumb is to increase your count distance by at least 5 seconds instead of the normal 2 seconds behind another vehicle.
• Beware of animals on the road. Animals, especially whitetail deer, feel bolder under cover of fog and are much harder to see. The lowered visibility in dense fog means less time for you to see them, and for them to see you.

If the fog gets too dense and you pull over to a safe area, keep these tips in mind:

• Use your turn signal. Other drivers may be using your taillights as a guide, so alert them that you’re pulling off the road. When you are traveling in low visibility areas, signal earlier than you normally would in ideal weather conditions.
• Pull off away from the road. If drivers can’t see the shoulder, they likely won’t see your vehicle either.
• Turn on your hazard lights. Help other drivers know you’re stopped. Avoid using flashing lights while driving. In many states, hazard light use is not permitted while driving. Using the lights can make other drivers think you’re stopped or stalled. Also, hazard lights in operation disable your ability to use your turn indicators.

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