The National Weather Service issued a dense fog advisory for Central Douglas County, Eastern Curry County, Josephine County, and Jackson County at 12:48 a.m. on Thursday. The advisory was in force until 10 a.m.
“Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog,” the weather agency said. “Mixing and ventilation should be better at the south end of the Rogue Valley from around Talent to Ashland due to stronger SE winds.”
“Driving conditions could be dangerous due to low visibility. People with respiratory conditions may experience difficulty due to poor air quality, the weather agency said. “If you’re driving, use your headlights, slow down, and give yourself plenty of space. When it comes to handling high levels of air pollution during periods of stagnant air, people with respiratory illnesses should heed their doctors’ instructions.
Fog safety: Tips from the weather service for safe travels
Visibility can drop to a quarter-mile or less when a dense fog advisory is issued for your area, indicating that widespread dense fog has formed. Travel is difficult in these conditions, so be extra careful when driving or, if at all possible, postpone your journey.
The following weather service safety advice should be kept in mind if you must go outside in foggy conditions:
Go at a moderate pace:
To get to your location safely, slow down and allow additional time for travel.
Priority for visibility:
Use low-beam headlights, which also turn on your taillights, to make sure that people can see your car. Make advantage of your fog lights if you have them.
Steer clear of high beams:
Avoid using high-beam headlights since they produce glare that reduces your driving visibility.
Keep your gaps safe:
Keep a wide following distance in order to accommodate sudden stops or changing traffic patterns.
Remain in your lane:
Use the lane markers on the road as a reference to make sure you are staying in the correct lane.
Protocol for zero visibility:
When there is almost no visibility because of heavy fog, turn on your hazard lights and look for a safe place to stop, like the parking lot of a local business.
Absence of parking choices
Pull your car as far off the road as you can if there isn’t a designated parking space. To reduce the possibility of other vehicles colliding with your stationary car, turn off all lights save the warning flashers, apply the emergency brake, and depress the brake pedal. This will keep your tail lights off.
Following these weather service guidelines will help you drive more safely in foggy conditions, lowering your chance of an accident and protecting your health.
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