The National Weather Service issued a weather alert at 4:30 a.m. on Thursday for fog until 10 a.m. The alert is for Inland Glynn, Coastal Glynn, Inland Camden, Coastal Camden, Northern Ware, Northeastern Charlton, Southern Ware and Western Charlton as well as Bacon, Appling, Wayne, Pierce, Brantley, Echols and Clinch counties.
“Patchy to areas fog will continue through sunrise across portions of much of southeast Georgia and northeast Florida. Patchy dense fog will likely develop with visibilities on area roadways reduced to a quarter of a mile at times. Slow down and use caution on the roadways if commuting this morning. The fog should lift between 9 and 10 a.m.,” comments the NWS.
Navigating fog: Safety tips by the NWS
If you must drive in foggy conditions, keep the following safety tips 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 automatically activate your taillights. Utilize fog lights if your vehicle is equipped with them.
Avoid high-beams:
• Refrain from using high-beam headlights, as they create glare that impairs your visibility on the road.
Keep your 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 protocol:
• In situations of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, activate your hazard lights and seek a secure location, such as a nearby business’s parking lot, to pull over and come to a 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 recommendations from the NWS, you can navigate foggy conditions with greater safety, mitigating the risk of accidents and prioritizing your well-being.
Source: The National Weather Service
