An updated dense fog advisory was released by the National Weather Service on Saturday at 6:18 a.m. in effect until 9 a.m. for Yuma, Kit Carson and Cheyenne counties.
“Visibility one half mile or less in dense fog,” can be expected according to the NWS. “This Dense Fog Advisory includes the Interstate 70 corridor from Flagler, Colorado to Quinter, Kansas.”
“Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” describes the NWS. “If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.”
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 in fog becomes unavoidable, remember these safety tips:
Reduce 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 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.
Maintain safe gaps:
Keep a considerable following distance to account for sudden stops or shifts in traffic patterns.
Stay in your lane:
To ensure you are staying in the correct lane, use the road’s lane markings as a guide.
Zero visibility protocol:
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.
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 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