The National Weather Service issued a weather alert at 11:59 p.m. on Monday for dense fog until Tuesday at 4 a.m. for Dillon County.
“Patchy dense fog will develop across portions of Pender, Bladen, Robeson, Marlboro, Darlington, and Dillon counties overnight. The fog may become locally dense, reducing visibilities on area roadways. Motorists may encounter these pockets of dense fog with rapidly changing visibilities. Immediately slow down, use your low beam headlights and allow extra braking distance between you and the vehicle ahead. Conditions are expected to improve prior to sunrise as a cold front moves through the area,” says the weather service.
According to the weather service, “If driving, slow down and leave extra distance ahead of you in case a sudden stop is needed.”
This alert is in effect until Tuesday at 4 a.m.
Guidance from the weather service for navigating foggy conditions
If you need to drive through fog, remember these safety guidelines:
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 remaining in the correct lane.
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 are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.
By adhering to these weather service recommendations, you can navigate foggy conditions with greater safety, mitigating the risk of accidents and prioritizing your well-being.
