The National Weather Service issued a report at 1:32 a.m. on Wednesday for dense fog until 8 a.m. for Worcester, Norfolk, Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket counties.
“Patchy dense fog this morning resulted in poor visibility as low as one quarter mile. With temperatures also near freezing, this could lead to slippery spots on untreated surfaces in addition to the poor visibility. Elevated surfaces such as bridges are most likely to have icy spots. Travelers this morning should slow down and allow extra time to reach their destination safely. Remain alert for sudden drops in visibility and possible icy spots,” explains 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 time for your trip 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 a safe distance:
- Maintain a generous following distance to account for abrupt stops or shifting 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 precautions from the weather service, you can navigate foggy conditions more safely, reducing the likelihood of accidents and ensuring your personal safety.
