ORLANDO, Fla. – Fog, smog and other low visibility conditions are the culprit in fatal accidents every year, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Trooper Steven Montiero said the best thing drivers can do when encountering these types of conditions is to get off the roadway.
He demonstrated how to safely pull all the way to the right shoulder and into the grass
"The number one thing: don't panic. Don't suddenly brake or suddenly veer off the road," said Montiero.
He recommended getting off at an exit if you are on a major highway. If you cannot get off at an exit, pull over to the right as far off the roadway as possible.
When you are off the roadway, he said you should put on your hazard lights. Don't put on your hazard lights until you are all the way off the roadway and at a complete stop.
It is illegal to drive with hazard lights in use in Florida.
Montiero also said to refrain from using high beams in low visibility conditions because they can make it even more difficult to see. Instead, keep your head and tail lights on.
Montiero said if you cannot see the road, open your window and turn off the radio. This way you will be able to hear what's going on around you.