The National Weather Service issued a report at 6:41 a.m. on Friday for dense fog until 9:30 a.m. The alert is for Inland Glynn as well as Jeff Davis, Bacon, Appling and Wayne counties.
“Locally dense fog has developed early this morning across portions of inland southeast Georgia, mainly for locations to the north of Waycross. Local visibilities may be reduced to 1/2 mile or less through the early morning hours, with improving conditions expected by mid-morning. The nature of the fog is such that visibilities will vary greatly over short distances. Motorists should be alert for rapidly changing conditions early this morning. If driving, slow down and leave extra distance ahead of you in case a sudden stop is needed,” comments the NWS.
Fog safety: Tips from the NWS for safe travels
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 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 generous following distance to account for abrupt stops or shifting 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 strategy:
• In extremely dense fog where visibility is near zero, the best course of action is to first turn on your hazard lights, then simply pull into a safe location such as a parking lot of a local business, and stop.
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 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