Weather Alert: Dense Fog Makes Driving Tricky

By DEB BELT (Patch Staff)

A dense fog advisory has been extended until 2 p.m. Wednesday for much of the Washington, D.C., area, including most of Northern Virginia.

The National Weather Service says visibility in many areas is a quarter of a mile or less, which can pose a hazard to drivers.

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services shared these safety tips for driving in fog:

• Drive with lights on low beam. High beams will only be reflected back off the fog and actually impair visibility even more.
• Reduce your speed -- and watch your speedometer. Fog creates a visual illusion of slow motion when you may actually be speeding.
• Listen for traffic you cannot see. Open your window a little, to hear better.
• Use wipers and defrosters as necessary for maximum visibility.
• Use the right edge of the road or painted road markings as a guide.
• Be patient. Do not pass lines of traffic.
• Do not stop on a freeway or heavily traveled road. If your car stalls or becomes disabled, turn your vehicle’s lights off, and take your foot off of the brake pedal. People tend to follow tail lights when driving in fog. Move away from the vehicle to avoid injury.

»Foggy weather photo courtesy of Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services