Missouri: What to Know About Driving in the Fog

(MISSOURI) St. Louis used car dealer, GMT Auto Sales reports how and what local residents should know about driving in fog.

On November 21st, flights were delayed at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport due to a fog advisory. And then, there was the 129 car pile up in Texas over the same time span. Fog is not like a hurricane that can be tracked and predicted with preciseness. Given this winter’s weather forecast, there is speculation that fog may be a regular occurrence in Missouri.

The Farmer’s Almanac forecasts a blistery, snowy Winter 2013 in the Plains, which includes, the state of Missouri. But in between, those days when the temperatures rise; and, the dew point level is within five degrees of the outdoor temps, fog is generally imminent.

GMT Auto Sales, a used car dealer known for selling the best used cars in Missouri, serves as a safety advocate in Missouri. “Drivers should know these facts about driving in fog.

• The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) does not recommend driving in fog. But sometimes, fog looms in, unexpectedly, as was the case with the pile-up that happened over the Thanksgiving weekend in Houston.
• Thicker than normal air, fog flows downward, into lower terrains.
• Note that fog accumulates over cold, snow-covered surfaces as warmer air pushes its way inward.

A spokesperson at GMT Auto Sales Says: “In the event that you are caught in a patch of fog, consider these driving recommendations:”

• Do not turn on high beams. Instead, switch on fog lights, designed to illuminate.
• Turn off the radio. Crack the window to hear any outside sounds, which may signal the need to stop
• Use the road’s painted markings to navigate.
• Turn on the defroster to help improve visibility.
• Do not tailgate vehicles in front of you.
• Reduce your speed by five to seven miles below the limit.

But whether it’s Missouri, Texas or any other state, drivers should always try to avoid driving in fog,” advises GMT Auto Sales.