10/29/2026
PUBLIC SAFETY REMINDER: DENSE FOG AND VEHICLE HEADLIGHTS/TAILLIGHTS
The Sheridan County Sheriff’s Department would like to remind motorists to use extra caution while traveling in the dense fog affecting our area.
One important safety concern involves newer vehicles equipped with automatic headlights and daytime running lights (DRLs).
Just because your headlights appear to be on DOES NOT mean your taillights are illuminated!
Many newer vehicles have daytime running lights that automatically illuminate the front of the vehicle. However, these lights do not necessarily activate your rear taillights. In dense fog, this can make your vehicle extremely difficult for approaching motorists to see from behind, creating a serious risk of a collision.
We strongly encourage all motorists to:
Manually turn on your headlights rather than relying on the automatic setting.
Make sure your rear taillights are illuminated.
Reduce your speed and increase your following distance.
Use low-beam headlights in fog, as high beams can reflect off the fog and further reduce visibility.
Allow additional travel time and avoid unnecessary travel when visibility becomes extremely limited.
Remember, your headlights are not just there to help YOU see the roadway. They are equally important in helping OTHER motorists see YOU.
Taking just a few seconds to manually activate your headlights could prevent a serious accident and potentially save a life.
Please slow down, remain alert, and help us keep Sheridan County roadways safe.