On Monday at 9:29 p.m. the National Weather Service issued a dense fog advisory in effect until Tuesday at 9 a.m. The advisory is for Eastern McDowell, Eastern Polk, Greater Oconee, Greater Pickens, Central Greenville, Southern Greenville, Northern Spartanburg and Southern Spartanburg as well as Habersham, Stephens, Franklin, Hart, Elbert, Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Cherokee, York, Anderson, Abbeville, Laurens, Union, Chester and Greenwood counties.

The NWS says, “Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog over a wide area.”

“Visibility may change suddenly and over short distances,” comments the NWS. “If driving, slow down, use low-beam headlights and fog lamps, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.”

Guidance from the NWS for navigating foggy conditions

If a dense fog advisory is issued for your area, it means that widespread dense fog has developed and visibility often drops to just a quarter-mile or less. These conditions can make driving challenging, so exercise extreme caution on the road, and if possible, consider delaying your trip.

If you must drive in foggy conditions, keep the following safety tips in mind:

Reduce 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.

Maintain safe gaps:

Keep a considerable following distance to account for sudden 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.

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 are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.

By adhering to these recommendations from the NWS, you can navigate foggy conditions more safely, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring your well-being.

Source: The National Weather Service