At 5:35 a.m. on Thursday, the National Weather Service released a dense fog advisory in effect until 10 a.m. The advisory is for Fisher, Nolan, Sterling, Coke, Runnels, Irion, Tom Green, Concho, Haskell, Throckmorton, Jones, Shackelford, Taylor, Callahan, Coleman and Brown counties.

The NWS says to be ready for, “Expect areas of dense fog this morning with the visibility less than 1/4 of a mile. The dense fog will impact motorists along US 87 north of San Angelo and along I-20 from Sweetwater to Abilene.”

“Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” says the NWS. “A Dense Fog Advisory means visibilities will frequently be reduced to one quarter mile or less. If driving, slow down, use your low beams, 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 venture out in foggy conditions, keep these safety tips from the NWS in mind:

Reduce speed:

Slow down and allow extra travel time to reach your destination safely.

Visibility priority:

Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which automatically activate your taillights. Utilize fog lights if your vehicle is equipped with them.

Avoid high-beams:

Refrain from using high-beam headlights, as they create glare that impairs your visibility on the road.

Keep a safe distance:

Maintain a significant following distance to account for abrupt stops or shifts in 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 situations of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, activate your hazard lights and seek a secure location, such as a nearby business’s parking lot, to pull over and come to a stop.

Limited 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 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