A weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Sunday at 12:39 a.m. for dense fog until 8 a.m. for Dillon, Florence, Marion, Williamsburg and Horry counties.
“Areas of fog reducing visibility to 1 to 3 miles will blanket the Bi-state region early this morning. At times, motorists may experience pockets of dense fog with visibility less than 1/2 mile at times. When encountering the fog, especially when observing rapidly changing visibilities, immediately SLOW down, use your low beam headlights and allow extra braking distance between you and the vehicle ahead,” states the weather service.
This alert is in effect until 8 a.m.
Fog safety: Tips from the weather service for safe travels
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 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 lights, as they create glare, making it more difficult for you to see what’s ahead of you on the road.
Keep your distance:Keep a considerable following distance to account for sudden stops or shifts in traffic patterns.
Stay in your lane:Use the road’s lane markings as a guide to remaining in the correct lane.
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 no parking area is available, pull your vehicle as far to the roadside as possible. Once stationary, turn off 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 precautions from the weather service, you can navigate foggy conditions more safely, reducing the likelihood of accidents and ensuring your personal safety.
