An updated dense fog advisory was issued by the National Weather Service on Saturday at 6:10 a.m. in effect until 10 a.m. for Williamsburg and Georgetown counties.
The weather service comments, “Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog.”
“Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” says the weather service. “If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.”
This advisory is in effect until 10 a.m.
Fog safety: Tips from the weather service for safe travels
When a dense fog advisory is issued for your area, it means that widespread dense fog has developed and visibility can plummet to a quarter-mile or less. These conditions pose challenges for travel, so exercise extra caution on the road or consider postponing your trip if possible.
If you must venture out in foggy conditions, keep these safety tips from the weather service in mind:
Moderate your speed:Slow down and allocate 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.
Maintain safe gaps:Leave a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to account for sudden stops or changes in the traffic pattern.
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.
No 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 recommendations, you can navigate foggy conditions with greater safety, mitigating the risk of accidents and prioritizing your well-being.
