The National Weather Service issued a dense fog advisory at 7:05 a.m. on Sunday in effect until 10 a.m. for Kit Carson County.
“Visibility one quarter mile or less in Dense Fog,” can be expected according to the NWS. “This includes the Interstate 70 corridor from Burlington to Goodland, Colby, Oakley and Quinter.”
“Hazardous travel conditions,” adds the NWS. “If driving, slow down, use low beam headlights and leave plenty of following distance.”
Guidance from the NWS for navigating foggy conditions
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 you must drive in foggy conditions, keep the following safety tips in mind:
Moderate your speed:
Slow down and allocate extra travel time 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 you have fog lights, use them.
Avoid high-beams:
Refrain from using high-beam headlights, as they create glare that impairs your visibility on the road.
Keep your distance:
Maintain a significant following distance to account for abrupt stops or shifts in traffic patterns.
Stay in your lane:
Use the road’s lane markings as a guide to staying in the correct lane.
Zero visibility strategy:
In cases of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, initiate your hazard lights and locate a secure spot, such as a nearby business parking area, to pull over and come to a halt.
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 precautions from the NWS, you can navigate foggy conditions more safely, reducing the likelihood of accidents and ensuring your personal safety.
Source: The National Weather Service