The National Weather Service issued a weather alert at 6:06 a.m. on Thursday for dense fog until 8:30 a.m. for Dillon, Florence and Marion counties.
“Pockets of dense fog will affect the area this morning, especially in close proximity of the Great Pee Dee River as well as in the vicinity of local lakes and ponds. The dense fog will reduce visibility across area roadways to less than 1/2 mile at times. Expect The majority of this fog to dissipate by 830 am,” says the weather service.
The weather service comments, “Motorists encountering the dense fog should immediately slow down, use low beam headlights and allow extra braking distance ahead of you in case of sudden stops.”
This alert is in effect until 8:30 a.m.
Guidance from the weather service for navigating foggy conditions
If you must drive in foggy conditions, keep the following safety tips in mind:
Moderate your speed:Slow down and allow 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 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 your distance:Maintain a generous following distance to account for abrupt stops or shifting traffic patterns.
Stay in your lane:Use the road’s lane markings as a guide to remaining in the correct lane.
Zero visibility strategy:In extremely dense fog where visibility is near zero, the best course of action is to first turn on your hazard lights, then simply pull into a safe location such as a parking lot of a local business, 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 are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.
By adhering to these weather service precautions, you can navigate foggy conditions more safely, reducing the likelihood of accidents and ensuring your personal safety.
