At 5:38 p.m. on Tuesday, the National Weather Service issued an updated dense fog advisory for the Oregon Lower Treasure Valley, which would remain in force until 1 p.m. on Thursday.
“Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog,” according to the weather agency.
“Those who have respiratory disorders may experience complications as a result of poor air quality. Driving conditions could be dangerous due to low visibility, the weather agency said. “State air quality organizations strongly advise against outdoor burning and to minimize the number of wood-burning equipment in homes. Long stretches of stagnant air can trap pollutants near the ground where people live and breathe, according to state air quality regulators. For information on any current limitations in your area, contact your local burn agency. Use your headlights, slow down, and give yourself plenty of space if you’re driving.
Navigating fog: Safety tips by the weather service
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 safety advice should be kept in mind if you must drive in foggy conditions:
Slow down:
To ensure you get at your destination safely, slow down and allow additional time for your journey.
Priority for visibility:
Use low-beam headlights, which also turn on your taillights, to make sure that people can see your car. Make use of your fog lights if you have them.
Steer clear of high beams:
Avoid using high-beam lights as they produce glare, which makes it harder to see what’s in front of you on the road.
Keep your gaps safe:
Keep a wide following distance in order to accommodate sudden stops or changing traffic patterns.
Remain in your lane:
To ensure you are staying in the correct lane, use the road’s lane markings as a guide.
Protocol for zero visibility:
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.
Restricted parking possibilities
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 weather service, you can navigate foggy conditions more safely, reducing the likelihood of accidents and ensuring your personal safety.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
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