On Wednesday, at 5:21 a.m., the National Weather Service (NWS) in Hanford, CA, issued a dense fog advisory for several areas in California, including Fresno, Delano-Wasco-Shafter, Hanford, Visalia, and the Southeast San Joaquin Valley. The advisory, which remains in effect until 11 a.m., warns of visibility dropping to one-quarter mile or less due to dense fog, creating hazardous driving conditions.
According to the NWS, “Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” and they advise drivers to take extra precautions. They recommend slowing down, using headlights, and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles.
Driving in Foggy Conditions
A dense fog advisory is issued when widespread dense fog develops, significantly reducing visibility. Under these conditions, visibility frequently drops to one-quarter mile or less, making travel difficult and dangerous. The NWS emphasizes that drivers should exercise caution and avoid driving if possible.
If you must drive in foggy conditions, follow these essential safety tips:
- Slow down and allow extra time to reach your destination.
- Use low-beam headlights to make your vehicle visible to others. Avoid high beams, as they cause glare and worsen visibility.
- Turn on your fog lights if your vehicle is equipped with them.
- Leave extra space between you and the vehicle ahead, allowing room for sudden stops or changes in traffic.
- Follow road markings with your eyes to ensure you stay in the proper lane.
In situations with extremely dense fog, where visibility is near zero, the best course of action is to pull over to a safe area, such as a parking lot. If you cannot find a safe parking area, pull over to the side of the road as far as possible. Once stopped, turn off all lights except for your hazard flashing lights, set the emergency brake, and remove your foot from the brake pedal. This prevents your taillights from being illuminated, reducing the chance of other drivers mistakenly colliding with your vehicle.
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