A report from the National Weather Service was issued on Saturday at 12:40 a.m. for dense fog until 8 a.m. for Florence, Williamsburg and Georgetown counties.
“Patchy fog is present across parts northeast South Carolina, and will persist until shortly after sunrise. The fog may become locally dense, reducing visibilities on area roadways,” 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 8 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:
Reduce speed:Slow down and allocate extra time for your trip 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 lights, as they create glare, making it more difficult for you to see what’s ahead of you on the road.
Keep your 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 staying 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 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 more safely, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring your well-being.
