The National Weather Service issued a report at 3:58 a.m. on Friday for dense fog until 9 a.m. The alert is for Inland Bryan, Coastal Bryan, Inland Chatham, Coastal Chatham, Inland Liberty, Coastal Liberty, Inland McIntosh and Coastal McIntosh as well as Effingham, Tattnall, Evans and Long counties.
“Areas of fog have begun to develop over southeastern South Carolina and Southeast Georgia early this morning. The fog may become locally dense, reducing visibilities on roadways,” states the NWS.
The NWS adds, “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 must venture out in foggy conditions, keep these safety tips from the NWS in mind:
Moderate your speed:
• Slow down and allow extra travel time 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 you have fog lights, use them.
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 staying in the correct lane.
Zero visibility protocol:
• 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 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