The National Weather Service issued a weather alert at 12:13 a.m. on Monday for dense fog until 3 a.m. for Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, Brooklyn and Queens as well as Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Westchester, Suffolk and Nassau counties.

“Patchy dense fog has developed across the area. Visibilities may drop to a quarter of a mile or less. Visibilities may improve earlier than 3 a.m. as rain moves through the area. Motorists encountering fog early this morning should take extra caution. Use low beam headlights or fog lamps, and allow extra braking distance between other vehicles,” says 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 allow extra travel time to reach your destination safely.

Visibility matters:

Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which also activate your taillights. If you have fog lights, use them.

Avoid high-beams:

Refrain from using high-beam headlights, as they create glare that impairs your visibility on the road.

Keep your distance:

Maintain a significant following distance to account for abrupt stops or shifts in traffic patterns.

Stay in your lane:

Use the road’s lane markings as a guide to staying in the correct lane.

Zero visibility protocol:

In cases of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, initiate your hazard lights and locate a secure spot, such as a nearby business parking area, to pull over and come to a halt.

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.

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