A dense fog advisory was issued by the National Weather Service on Monday at 10:32 p.m. in effect until Tuesday at 11 a.m. for Yuma, Kit Carson and Cheyenne counties.

The NWS says to anticipate, “Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog. Patches of freezing fog may lead to slick surfaces.”

“Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous. Roads, especially bridges and overpasses, may become slick and hazardous,” adds the NWS. “If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you. Sidewalks, porches, steps, and driveways may become slippery. Pedestrians should use caution when moving about. Freezing fog can create a thin layer of ice on exposed surfaces. The combination of low visibility and slick conditions may make traveling hazardous. If you must travel, use extreme caution!”

Navigating fog: Safety tips by the NWS

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 driving through fog becomes inevitable, remember these safety guidelines:

Moderate your speed:

Slow down and allocate extra time for your trip to reach your destination safely.

Visibility priority:

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 headlights, as they create glare that impairs your visibility on the road.

Keep your 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 strategy:

In cases of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, initiate your hazard lights and locate a secure spot, such as a nearby business parking area, to pull over and come to a halt.

Limited parking options:

If there is no parking lot or driveway to pull into, pull your vehicle off to the side of the road as far as possible. Once you come to a stop, turn off all lights except your hazard flashing lights, set the emergency brake, and take your foot off of the brake pedal to be sure the tail lights are not illuminated so that other drivers don’t mistakenly run into you.

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