The National Weather Service issued a weather alert at 8:25 p.m. on Tuesday for dense fog until 10 p.m. for Dillon County.
“Patchy fog is developing across the inland Cape Fear and Pee Dee regions late this evening. Observations indicate this fog may be locally dense, reducing visibilities on area roadways to as low as one quarter mile. This fog should gradually expand in coverage early tonight and a Dense Fog Advisory may be needed,” states the weather service.
The weather service adds, “If driving, slow down and leave extra distance ahead of you in case a sudden stop is needed.”
This alert is in effect until 10 p.m.
Navigating fog: Safety tips by the weather service
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 automatically activate your taillights. Utilize fog lights if your vehicle is equipped with them.
Avoid high-beams:Refrain from using high-beam headlights, as they create glare that impairs your visibility on the road.
Keep your distance:Leave a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to account for sudden stops or changes in the traffic pattern.
Stay in your lane:Use the road’s lane markings as a guide to remaining in the correct lane.
Visibility near zero: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.
Limited parking options:If there is no parking lot or driveway to pull into, pull your vehicle off to the side of the road as far as possible. Once you come to a stop, turn off all lights except your hazard flashing lights, set the emergency brake, and take your foot off of the brake pedal to be sure the tail lights are not illuminated so that other drivers don’t mistakenly run into you.
By adhering to these recommendations from the weather service, you can navigate foggy conditions with greater safety, mitigating the risk of accidents and prioritizing your well-being.
