A weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Friday at 7:17 a.m. for fog until 9 a.m.
"Areas of fog, some patchy dense fog, has developed across extreme southeast Georgia this morning. The fog may remain over the Interstate 95 corridor between Darien to Richmond Hill early this morning. Motorist should expect to encounter limited visibility due to fog. The fog should dissipate during the first hour or two of daylight this morning," states the NWS.
The NWS adds, "If driving, slow down and leave extra distance ahead of you in case a sudden stop is needed."
Guidance from the NWS for navigating foggy conditions
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 automatically activate your taillights. Utilize fog lights if your vehicle is equipped with 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:
• 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:
• Use the road's lane markings as a guide to staying in the correct lane.
Zero visibility strategy:
• 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.
Limited parking options:
• If there is no parking lot or driveway to pull into, pull your vehicle off to the side of the road as far as possible. Once you come to a stop, turn off all lights except your hazard flashing lights, set the emergency brake, and take your foot off of the brake pedal to be sure the tail lights are not illuminated so that other drivers don't mistakenly run into you.
By adhering to these NWS recommendations, you can navigate foggy conditions with greater safety, mitigating the risk of accidents and prioritizing your well-being.
Source: The National Weather Service
