A report was issued from the National Weather Service on Sunday at 7:15 p.m. for fog until 9:15 p.m. for North and Northeast Elbert County below 6,000 feet/North Lincoln County and Southeast Elbert County below 6,000 feet/South Lincoln County as well as Washington County.

“Fog have developed in Washington and Lincoln counties, with the Colorado Plains Regional Airport (in Akron, CO) AWOS station reporting 1/4 mile visibility. Expect areas of fog to continue to develop over the eastern plains this evening. Travel may be difficult. Take extra caution when on the road if driving,” according to the NWS.

The NWS adds, “Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening weather conditions. If driving, slow down and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.”

Fog safety: Tips from the NWS for safe travels

If you must venture out in foggy conditions, keep these safety tips from the NWS in mind:

Moderate your speed:

• Slow down and allocate extra time for your trip 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:

• Leave a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to account for sudden stops or changes in the traffic pattern.

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 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 with greater safety, mitigating the risk of accidents and prioritizing your well-being.

Source: The National Weather Service