The National Weather Service issued a report at 7:48 a.m. on Thursday for dense fog until 9:45 a.m. The alert is for Jenkins, Screven, Bulloch and Effingham counties.

“Areas of fog have begun to develop over southeastern South Carolina and will expand into portions of Southeast Georgia early this morning. The fog may become locally dense, reducing visibilities down to 1/4 mile on roadways,” explains the NWS.

According to the NWS, “If driving, slow down and leave extra distance ahead of you in case a sudden stop is needed.”

Guidance from the NWS for navigating foggy conditions

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 headlights, as they create glare that impairs your visibility on the road.

Keep a safe distance:

• 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:

• 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, 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 remain unlit, minimizing the chance 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