A weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Friday at 6:27 a.m. for dense fog until 8:30 a.m. for Dillon, Florence and Marion counties.
“Patchy fog had developed along and just west of I-95 this morning. The fog may become locally dense, reducing visibilities on area roadways before dissipating shortly after daybreak,” according to the weather service.
The weather service comments, “If driving, slow down and leave extra distance ahead of you in case a sudden stop is needed.”
This alert is in effect until 8:30 a.m.
Navigating fog: Safety tips by the weather service
If you must venture out in foggy conditions, keep these safety tips from the weather service 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 your distance:Maintain a significant following distance to account for abrupt stops or shifts in traffic patterns.
Stay in your lane:To ensure you are staying in the correct lane, use the road’s lane markings as a guide.
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 parking area is available, pull your vehicle as far to the roadside as possible. Once stationary, turn off 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.
