A weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Thursday at 5:50 a.m. for dense fog until noon The alert is for Fulton, Coweta, Fayette, Clayton, Spalding, Henry, Butts, Jasper, Putnam, Meriwether, Pike, Upson, Lamar, Monroe, Jones, Baldwin, Crawford and Bibb counties.

"Some patchy dense fog will restrict visibilities to less than one-half of a mile across parts of north and central Georgia. The fog should lift after 10 a.m. If driving this morning, slow down, use low-beam headlights and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front of you," states the NWS.

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:

Reduce speed:

• Slow down and allow extra travel time to reach your destination safely.

Visibility matters:

• 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:

• Use the road's lane markings as a guide to remaining 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.

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

Featured

Former District Attorney Jackie Johnson smiles at a supporter who took her hand Monday after Senior Judge John R. Turner dismissed one of the two charges she faced.

Credit: Terry Dickson/ The Brunswick News