Travel Advisory: wildfire prompts safety warning for I-75 drivers

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. (WINK)— Florida Highway Patrol State Troopers are monitoring a wildfire near Interstate 75 in Collier County between mile markers 95 and 100.

All lanes on Interstate 75 remain open and visibility is currently good. Motorists traveling through the area are urged to use caution, reduce speed and remain alert for any changing conditions.

Visibility can change within seconds due to wildfires, smoke, fog and heavy rain. Troopers are reminding drivers to take specific precautions when traveling through areas with reduced visibility.

Drivers should use low-beam headlights, as high beams will only reflect off fog and impair visibility. Motorists should also slow down, watch for slow-moving or stopped vehicles and use wipers and defrosters for maximum visibility.

Troopers recommend using the right edge of the road or painted road markings as a guide. Drivers should avoid passing or changing lanes and signal turns well in advance.

Motorists should not stop on Interstate 75 or heavily traveled roads, as this could lead to a chain-reaction collision. If drivers must pull off the road, they should signal, carefully pull off as far as possible and turn on hazard lights.