By Mapaballo Borotho
- Dense fog and mist are becoming increasingly common across Johannesburg as winter temperatures continue to drop, prompting authorities to urge motorists to exercise caution on the roads.
- The JMPD has warned that rapidly changing visibility conditions can significantly increase the risk of serious accidents and multi-vehicle collisions.
- Motorists are advised to reduce speed, use low-beam headlights, avoid overtaking, and delay travel if conditions become too dangerous.
Authorities in Johannesburg have issued an urgent appeal to all motorists travelling across the City of Gold to exercise extreme caution, patience, and vigilance during the winter season.
This comes as mist and fog are expected to become a regular feature as temperatures continue to drop.
On Tuesday morning, a thick blanket of fog and mist significantly reduced visibility across major arterial routes, highways, and residential areas throughout most parts of the city, creating hazardous driving conditions for commuters.
Authorities warn that these conditions can change rapidly within seconds, drastically increasing the risk of multi-vehicle pile-ups and serious accidents.
Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson Xolani Fihla has urged motorists to adhere to the following safety guidelines when driving in foggy conditions:
The Do’s and Don’ts of Driving in Fog
- Reduce your speed and increase your following distance to give yourself more time to react to hazards.
- Switch on low-beam headlights and rear fog lights to improve visibility, while keeping your windows clear using defrosters and wipers.
- Stay in your lane by using the left-hand road markings (yellow line) as a guide.
- Do not use high beams, as they reflect off the mist and can blind you.
- Do not drive with hazard lights on, as this can confuse other motorists.
- Never stop in the middle of the road. If visibility drops to zero, pull completely off the roadway.
- Avoid overtaking or changing lanes unless absolutely necessary.
“Not being able to see is legally not a defence in the event of a crash. If conditions are too severe, we strongly advise delaying your trip until the fog lifts.
Our officers are deployed across key intersections and high-risk routes to monitor traffic flow and ensure public safety. Please drive defensively, look out for vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists, and let’s keep Johannesburg’s roads safe,” said Fihla.
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