An updated weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Monday at 5:50 a.m. for dense fog until 9 a.m. The alert is for Inland Palm Beach County, Inland Collier County, Inland Broward County and Inland Miami-Dade County as well as Glades and Hendry counties.

“Some patchy areas of dense fog have developed across inland portions of South Florida this morning. Visibilities are likely to be reduced to around 1 mile in general, with localized areas experiencing reduced visibilities to one-quarter mile at times through 9 a.m. this morning. Motorists are advised to drive with caution this morning as visibilities may widely vary over short distances. Use low beam headlights and leave extra distance between your vehicle and others on the road when encountering significant reductions in visibility. Allow extra time to travel to destinations,” according to the NWS.

Fog safety: Tips from the NWS for safe travels

If you need to drive through fog, remember these safety guidelines:

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 available, employ your fog lights.

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 remaining 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.

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 NWS, you can navigate foggy conditions more safely, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring your well-being.

Source: The National Weather Service