A report from the National Weather Service was issued on Tuesday at 4:12 a.m. for fog until 8:30 a.m. The alert is for Cherokee, Polk, Paulding, Haralson, Carroll, Douglas, Heard, Coweta and Troup counties.

“Some patchy freezing fog has developed across portions of Western and Northern Georgia overnight with visibilities between one quarter mile to 2 miles. Temperatures in these areas are currently at or just below freezing which when combined with the patchy fog poses a risk for a very light glaze of ice to develop on elevated surfaces through the early morning hours. Improving conditions are expected shortly after sunrise as temperatures rise. If driving, slow down, use low-beam headlights and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front of you,” according to the NWS.

Fog safety: Tips from the NWS for safe travels

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

Moderate your speed:

• Slow down and allow extra travel time 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.

Keep a safe distance:

• 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.

Zero visibility strategy:

• 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 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 are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.

By adhering to these recommendations from the NWS, you can navigate foggy conditions with greater safety, mitigating the risk of accidents and prioritizing your well-being.

Source: The National Weather Service