A dense fog advisory was issued by the National Weather Service on Tuesday at 9:25 p.m. in effect until Wednesday at 10 a.m.
The NWS comments, "Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog."
"Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous," explains the NWS. "If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you."
Navigating fog: Safety tips by the NWS
If a dense fog advisory is issued for your area, it means that widespread dense fog has developed and visibility often drops to just a quarter-mile or less. These conditions can make driving challenging, so exercise extreme caution on the road, and if possible, consider delaying your trip.
If driving through fog becomes inevitable, remember these safety guidelines:
Moderate your speed:
Slow down and allocate extra travel time to reach your destination safely.
Visibility matters:
Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which also activate your taillights. If you have fog lights, use them.
Avoid high-beams:
Refrain from using high-beam lights, as they create glare, making it more difficult for you to see what’s ahead of you on the road.
Maintain safe gaps:
Maintain a generous following distance to account for abrupt stops or shifting traffic patterns.
Stay in your lane:
Use the road's lane markings as a guide to remaining in the correct lane.
Zero visibility protocol:
In extremely dense fog where visibility is near zero, the best course of action is to first turn on your hazard lights, then simply pull into a safe location such as a parking lot of a local business, and stop.
Limited parking options:
If no parking area is available, pull your vehicle as far to the roadside as possible. Once stationary, turn off all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.
By adhering to these precautions from the NWS, you can navigate foggy conditions more safely, reducing the likelihood of accidents and ensuring your personal safety.
Source: The National Weather Service
