A weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 5:54 a.m. for dense fog until 9 a.m. for Del Norte Vicinity/Northern San Luis Valley below 8,500 ft, Alamosa Vicinity/Central San Luis Valley below 8,500 ft and Southern San Luis Valley.
“Patchy dense fog is likely across portions of the San Luis Valley this morning. Visibility will vary over short distances, falling to as low as a 1/2 mile at times. Those traveling across the area should be prepared for reduced visibility, before this fog diminishes in the 8 to 9 a.m. time frame,” according to the NWS.
Fog safety: Tips from the NWS for safe travels
If you need to drive through fog, remember these safety guidelines:
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 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 a safe distance:
• Keep a considerable following distance to account for sudden stops or shifts in traffic patterns.
Stay in your lane:
• Use the road’s lane markings as a guide to remaining in the correct lane.
Visibility near zero:
• In cases of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, activate your hazard lights and seek a safe spot, like a nearby business parking lot, to pull over and stop.
No 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