The National Weather Service issued a weather alert at 7:08 a.m. on Thursday for dense fog until 9 a.m.
"Areas of fog are ongoing this morning across portions of southeast Georgia and southeast South Carolina. Impacted areas include Colleton, Hampton, Allendale, Screven, Effingham, Bulloch, Jenkins, and Candler counties. Web cams and observation sites indicate that some of the fog is locally dense, reducing visibilities on area roadways and producing hazardous driving conditions. Fog will persist through about 9 am and should dissipate quickly thereafter," according to the NWS.
The NWS states, "If driving, slow down and leave extra distance ahead of you in case a sudden stop is needed."
Navigating fog: Safety tips by the NWS
If you must venture out in foggy conditions, keep these safety tips from the NWS in mind:
Reduce speed:
• Slow down and allocate 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 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 significant following distance to account for abrupt stops or shifts in 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, 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 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 NWS precautions, you can navigate foggy conditions more safely, reducing the likelihood of accidents and ensuring your personal safety.
Source: The National Weather Service
