Driving in Fog – Safety Tips
We are having some foggy weather and these tips were circulated by the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Fog can be thought of as a cloud at ground level. It forms when the temperature drops to the dew point (the temperature at which air is saturated), and invisible water vapor in the air condenses to form suspended water droplets. Fog can reduce visibility to 1/4 mile or less, creating hazardous driving conditions. If you can't postpone your trip until dense fog lifts -- usually by late morning or the afternoon -- follow these tips:
* 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.
Sources: National Weather Service, Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Coneflower, Echinacea, Kentlands Photowalk, Gaithersburg, Maryland USA IMG 5081
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Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
Roy Kelley and Associates
Roy Kelley, Associate Broker
Realty Group Referrals (Retired from RE/MAX Realty Group)
6 Montgomery Village Ave., Suite 200
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
Main Office: 301-258-7757 (You will not reach me at this number)
Send an email message if you need my phone numbers. I will be happy to recommend a real estate professional if you are moving to the area.