A report from the National Weather Service was issued on Tuesday at 6:45 a.m. for dense fog until 9 a.m. The alert is for Coffee, Jeff Davis, Bacon, Appling, Wayne, Atkinson, Pierce, Brantley, Echols, Clinch and Ware counties.
"Areas of dense fog have developed early this morning across portions of inland southeast Georgia and northern portions of the Suwannee Valley. Areas of dense fog will impact these locations until around 9 a.m. this morning. Given the nature of the fog, visibilities on area roadways can reduce to one half mile or less over short distances. Leave extra time commuting this morning, and make sure to leave plenty of distance between the vehicle in front of you," according to the NWS.
Guidance from the NWS for navigating foggy conditions
If you need to drive through fog, remember these safety guidelines:
Moderate your 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:
• 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 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 parking area is available, pull your vehicle as far to the roadside as possible. Once stationary, turn off 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 recommendations, you can navigate foggy conditions more safely, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring your well-being.
Source: The National Weather Service
