A dense fog advisory was issued by the National Weather Service on Thursday at 10:17 p.m. valid for Friday between 3 a.m. and 10 a.m. for Boulder/Jefferson counties below 6,000 feet/West Broomfield County and North Douglas County below 6,000 feet/Denver/West Adams and Arapahoe counties/East Broomfield County.
The NWS informs, “Visibility less than one quarter mile 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.”
Fog safety: Tips from the NWS for safe travels
When a dense fog advisory is issued for your area, it means that widespread dense fog has developed and visibility can plummet to a quarter-mile or less. These conditions pose challenges for travel, so exercise extra caution on the road or consider postponing your trip if possible.
If you must drive in foggy conditions, keep the following safety tips in mind:
Moderate your speed:
Slow down and allow 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 available, employ your fog lights.
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.
Keep a safe distance:
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 staying 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.
No parking options:
If no designated parking area is available, pull your vehicle as far off the road as possible. Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights remain unlit, minimizing the chance of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.
By adhering to these recommendations from the NWS, you can navigate foggy conditions with greater safety, mitigating the risk of accidents and prioritizing your well-being.
Source: The National Weather Service