The National Weather Service issued a weather alert at 1:33 a.m. on Sunday for patchy fog and black ice until 7 a.m. for Northern Herkimer, Southern Herkimer, Southern Fulton, Northern Saratoga, Northern Warren, Northern Washington, Western Schenectady, Eastern Schenectady, Southern Saratoga, Western Albany, Eastern Albany, Western Rensselaer, Eastern Rensselaer, Western Greene, Eastern Greene, Western Columbia, Eastern Columbia, Western Ulster, Eastern Ulster, Western Dutchess, Eastern Dutchess, Northern Fulton, Southeast Warren and Southern Washington as well as Hamilton, Montgomery and Schoharie counties.
“With temperatures mainly in the 20s across eastern New York and adjacent western New England, water from previously melted snow may refreeze, especially on untreated ground surfaces. In addition, patchy fog may form, especially within portions of the Mohawk and Hudson River valleys. Motorists and pedestrians should use extra caution through early this morning, and be prepared to encounter icy ground surfaces and reduced visibilities in patchy dense fog,” according to the weather service.
Navigating fog: Safety tips by the weather service
If you need to drive through fog, remember these safety guidelines:
Moderate your 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 staying in the correct lane.
Zero visibility strategy:
In cases of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, activate your hazard lights and seek a safe spot, like a nearby business parking lot, to pull over and stop.
Limited parking options:
If no parking area is available, pull your vehicle as far to the roadside as possible. Once stationary, turn off 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 precautions from the weather service, you can navigate foggy conditions more safely, reducing the likelihood of accidents and ensuring your personal safety.