The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) urges all motorists travelling across the City of Johannesburg to exercise extreme caution, patience, and vigilance on the roads.
JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said: “A thick blanket of fog and mist has significantly reduced visibility across major arterial routes, highways, and residential areas throughout most parts of the city. These conditions can change rapidly within seconds, drastically increasing the risk of multi-vehicle pile-ups and serious accidents.”
“To ensure that everyone reaches their destinations safely, JMPD urges all road users to follow dhere to the following safety guidelines,” he added.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Driving in Foggy Conditions
- 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 for 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 blind you, and do not drive with hazard lights on, which confuses other motorists.
- Never stop in the middle of the road (pull completely off the roadway if visibility drops to zero) and avoid overtaking or changing lanes.
- “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.
Fihla said JMPD 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.”
To report accidents, reckless driving, or road obstructions, please contact the JMPD emergency line on 011 375 5918 or 0800 002 587
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