The National Weather Service issued a dense fog advisory at 5:20 a.m. on Friday in effect until 10 a.m. for Florence, Williamsburg and Georgetown counties.
The weather service adds, “Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog.”
“Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” adds the weather service. “If driving, SLOW DOWN, use your low beam headlights and leave plenty of braking distance between you and the vehicle ahead in case of sudden stops.”
This advisory is in effect until 10 a.m.
Navigating fog: Safety tips by the weather service
If a dense fog advisory is issued for your area, it means that widespread dense fog has developed and visibility often drops to just a quarter-mile or less. These conditions can make driving challenging, so exercise extreme caution on the road, and if possible, consider delaying your trip.
If you must venture out in foggy conditions, keep these safety tips from the weather service 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 a safe 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.
Zero visibility strategy: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 weather service precautions, you can navigate foggy conditions more safely, reducing the likelihood of accidents and ensuring your personal safety.
