An updated weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Thursday at 4:59 a.m. for fog and freezing drizzle until 9:15 a.m. for Berkshire County.
“Across the southwest Adirondacks, Mohawk Valley, eastern Catskills and Helderbergs, Taconics, southern Green Mountains and Berkshires, patchy freezing drizzle and fog will remain possible through mid morning, especially across higher elevations. This will create icy ground surfaces and reduced visibilities. Motorists and pedestrians should exercise caution if driving or walking through 9 a.m. this morning and be prepared for a possible thin layer of ice on roadways, sidewalks, stairs, driveways or any other untreated ground surfaces which may remain icy and slippery,” states the weather service.
Navigating fog: Safety tips by the weather service
If you must venture out in foggy conditions, keep these safety tips from the weather service in mind:
Reduce speed:
- Slow down and allocate 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 headlights, as they create glare that impairs your visibility on the road.
Keep your distance:
- Maintain a significant following distance to account for abrupt 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 strategy:
- In extremely dense fog where visibility is near zero, the best course of action is to first turn on your hazard lights, then simply pull into a safe location such as a parking lot of a local business, and 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 recommendations from the weather service, you can navigate foggy conditions with greater safety, mitigating the risk of accidents and prioritizing your well-being.
