The National Weather Service has stated that there will be fog in South Florida, including areas of coastal and western Palm Beach County. There are some areas where the fog is so dense that the visibility is less than 0.5 miles. People are encouraged to exercise caution when they are commuting to work this morning. The fog is expected to clear up by the mid-morning.
Fog can develop when the winds are low. It can also develop when the temperature and dew point are equal. The dew point is the measure of how saturated the air is with water vapor. The wind in South Florida is low, which is creating the ideal environment for fog.
It is rare for South Florida to have dense fog. There were only 35 days that had dense fog between the years of 2000 and 2011. However, deaths have resulted because of the fog. It is estimated that 17 injuries and five deaths have occurred as the result of dense fog.
Safety Tips For Driving In The Fog
Even though driving in the fog is dangerous, there are many ways that you can make it safer. You can follow these tips to stay safe while driving in the fog:
Slow Down
One of the best things that you can do to stay safe while driving in the fog is to slow down. You should drive at least five miles slower than you normally would.
Use Low Beam Lights
The fog will make it harder for you to see. However, you can improve visibility by using low-beam lights. Using your high-beam lights will also make it easier for other people to see you. Do not use your high-beam lights because that will also make it harder for you to see.
Increase Your Following Distance
Maintaining a safe following distance is essential for driving safely in the fog. Many drivers have a tendency to follow too closely when they are driving. That is one of the reasons car pile-ups often occur when it is foggy.
Avoid Stopping If Possible
Stopping when it is foggy is extremely dangerous. Try to get far off the road if you have to make an emergency stop.