A weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Sunday at 3:46 a.m. for dense fog until 8 a.m. for Dillon, Florence, Marion, Williamsburg, Horry and Georgetown counties.
“Patchy fog will continue to develop across the area early this morning. The fog may become locally dense, reducing visibilities on area roadways,” according to 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 8 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 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 a safe 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 protocol: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.
Limited 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.
