The National Weather Service issued a weather alert at 1:36 a.m. on Saturday for dense fog until 8 a.m. for Niagara, Orleans, Erie and Genesee counties.
“Webcams and satellite products show areas of fog across the Niagara Frontier, including locations near the Niagara River and along Interstate 90. Some of this fog is locally dense in spots with visibilities down to a quarter mile or less,” states the weather service.
Navigating fog: Safety tips by the weather service
If you need to drive through fog, remember these safety guidelines:
Moderate your speed:
- Slow down and allocate extra time for your trip to reach your destination safely.
Visibility matters:
- 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.
Maintain safe gaps:
- Leave a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to account for sudden stops or changes in the traffic pattern.
Stay in your lane:
- Use the road’s lane markings as a guide to staying in the correct lane.
Visibility near zero:
- In situations of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, activate your hazard lights and seek a secure location, such as a nearby business’s parking lot, to pull over and come to a stop.
No parking options:
- If no parking area is available, pull your vehicle as far to the roadside as possible. Once stationary, turn off all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.
By adhering to these recommendations from the weather service, you can navigate foggy conditions more safely, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring your well-being…