CLAIBORNE PARISH, La. – Following several evenings of heavy fog across the area, the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office is reminding motorists to exercise caution and follow recommended safety practices when traveling in low-visibility conditions.
In a November 5 announcement, the sheriff’s office shared driving safety recommendations from the National Weather Service (NWS), emphasizing the importance of slowing down, maintaining a safe following distance and using proper vehicle lighting when fog develops.
Fog can significantly reduce visibility, making it difficult for drivers to see other vehicles, road markings, intersections and potential hazards. These conditions can become particularly dangerous on rural highways and parish roads where lighting may be limited.
According to the National Weather Service, motorists should reduce their speed and allow additional travel time when encountering fog. Drivers should also avoid sudden braking or abrupt changes in direction whenever possible.
One of the most important recommendations is to use low-beam headlights rather than high beams. Low-beam headlights help illuminate the roadway while ensuring a vehicle’s taillights are visible to drivers approaching from behind.
High-beam headlights should never be used in fog because the light reflects off moisture in the air, creating glare that can further reduce visibility.
Drivers with fog lights are encouraged to use them when appropriate.
The sheriff’s office also reminds motorists to maintain extra distance between vehicles to allow more time to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic conditions.
When visibility becomes limited, drivers should use roadway markings as a guide to help remain in their proper travel lanes.
What to Do When Fog Becomes Too Dense to Drive
The National Weather Service advises motorists that when fog becomes so thick that visibility approaches zero, the safest option is to stop driving until conditions improve.
Drivers should first activate their hazard lights and carefully move to a safe location, such as a parking lot or driveway, away from moving traffic.
If no parking lot or driveway is available, motorists should pull as far off the roadway as safely possible.
Once stopped, drivers should leave their hazard lights flashing, turn off other vehicle lights, engage the emergency brake and remove their foot from the brake pedal.
Keeping brake lights off while parked helps prevent approaching motorists from mistakenly believing the stopped vehicle is traveling in an active traffic lane.
Safety Remains a Priority
With foggy conditions affecting travel throughout the week, the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office is encouraging residents to remain alert and make safe driving decisions.
Motorists traveling during the early morning, evening and overnight hours should be especially mindful of changing visibility and roadway conditions.
The sheriff’s office emphasized that taking a few extra precautions can help reduce the risk of crashes and protect everyone traveling on parish roads.
Residents are encouraged to monitor weather conditions, allow additional travel time and avoid unnecessary travel when visibility becomes dangerously limited.
The Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office reminds drivers that slowing down, staying alert and knowing when to pull over can make a critical difference in keeping themselves and others safe.