The National Weather Service issued an updated weather alert at 10:01 a.m. on Tuesday for dense fog until 2:15 p.m. for Horry and Georgetown counties.
“Areas of dense fog continue along the immediate coast with visibilities as low as one quarter mile. This fog should gradually lift and burn off through noon,” says 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 2:15 p.m.
Navigating fog: Safety tips by the weather service
If you need to drive through fog, remember these safety guidelines:
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 you have fog lights, use them.
Avoid high-beams:Refrain from using high-beam headlights, as they create glare that impairs your visibility on the road.
Maintain safe gaps: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, 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 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 recommendations from the weather service, you can navigate foggy conditions with greater safety, mitigating the risk of accidents and prioritizing your well-being.
