By MOLLY DRYMAN

Staff Reporter

LAPLACE – The River Parishes have experienced some heavy fog in the early morning and evening hours, which can cause complications while driving.

St. Charles Emergency Operations Center predicted the foggy weather to let up after the weekend, bringing the area clearer driving paths.

Lead Forecaster Dana Griffin with the National Weather Service in Slidell said a warm front (which is the leading edge of an advancing warm air mass that replaces relatively colder air mass) came through and caused the extra precipitation or fog, which is common in cold air ahead of a warm front.

He also said once the front passes, the moisture should clear up, and the area will see less foggy conditions.

Driving can be hazardous during foggy weather, but knowing a few safety tips can make all the difference in a trip down the road.

&#8220Slow down, use low beams,” Griffin said. &#8220Allow extra time for travel and leave plenty of distance between other cars.”

Here is a basic outline of the precautions to take when driving in foggy conditions provided by www.weather.com:

€ Drive with lights on low beam. High beams will only be reflected back off the fog and actually impair visibility even more.

€ Reduce your speed – and watch your speedometer. Fog creates a visual illusion of slow motion when you may actually be speeding.

€ Listen for traffic you cannot see. Open your window a little, to hear better.

€ Use wipers and defrosters as necessary for maximum visibility.

€ Use the right edge of the road or painted road markings as a guide.

€ Be patient. Do not pass lines of traffic.

€ Do not stop on a freeway or heavily traveled road. If your car stalls or becomes disabled, turn your vehicle’s lights off, and take your foot off of the brake pedal. People tend to follow taillights when driving in fog. Move away from the vehicle to avoid injury.