A report was issued from the National Weather Service on Thursday at 6:33 a.m. for dense fog until 9 a.m. The alert is for Inland Bryan and Inland Liberty as well as Candler, Bulloch, Effingham, Tattnall, Evans and Long counties.
“Patchy dense fog will be possible across portions of interior Southeast Georgia into the far southern South Carolina Lowcountry through daybreak. Visibilities as low as 1/4 mile can be expected at times. The nature of the fog is such that visibilities will vary greatly over short distances with the risk for locally dense fog being the greatest near bodies of water and other low-lying areas such as marshes, swamps and large ditches. Motorists should remain alert for these conditions this morning,” says the NWS.
According to the NWS, “If driving, slow down and leave extra distance ahead of you in case a sudden stop is needed.”
Fog safety: Tips from the NWS 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 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 lights, as they create glare, making it more difficult for you to see what’s ahead of you on the road.
Maintain safe gaps:
• Maintain a generous following distance to account for abrupt stops or shifting 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 protocol:
• 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 precautions from the NWS, you can navigate foggy conditions more safely, reducing the likelihood of accidents and ensuring your personal safety.
Source: The National Weather Service