On Tuesday at 10:30 p.m. a dense fog advisory was issued by the National Weather Service in effect until Wednesday Dec. 17, at 10 a.m. for Malibu.
The NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA states to prepare for, “Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog.”
“Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” the NWS said. “Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution. Secure outdoor objects. If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.”
Fog safety: Tips from the NWS for safe travels
If a dense fog advisory is issued for your area, it means that widespread dense fog has developed and visibility often drops to just a quarter-mile or less. These conditions can make driving challenging, so exercise extreme caution on the road, and if possible, consider delaying your trip.
If driving through fog becomes inevitable, remember these safety guidelines:
Reduce speed:
Slow down and allocate extra time for your trip 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:
Maintain a significant following distance to account for abrupt 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 situations of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, activate your hazard lights and seek a secure location, such as a nearby business’s parking lot, to pull over and come to a stop.
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 recommendations from the NWS, you can navigate foggy conditions more safely, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring your well-being.
For more local weather alerts, visit our Weather Advisory page