JMPD warns motorists as dense fog reduces visibility across Johannesburg

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has issued an urgent warning to motorists travelling across the city, urging them to drive carefully amid dense fog and mist that have significantly reduced visibility on roads throughout Johannesburg.

The warning comes as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) reported widespread fog affecting many parts of the country on Tuesday morning, with visibility expected to drop to less than one kilometre in several areas.

In a statement the department said that the adverse weather conditions are affecting major highways, arterial routes and residential roads, with visibility expected to change rapidly and unexpectedly.

JMPD warned that the poor visibility could lead to serious crashes, including multi-vehicle pile-ups, if motorists fail to adjust their driving behaviour accordingly.

“To ensure that everyone reaches their destinations safely, motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution, patience and vigilance while travelling in these conditions,” the department said.

The South African Weather Service has advised motorists to reduce speed, increase following distances, use low-beam headlights and remain alert for sudden changes in visibility.

Similarly, JMPD urged drivers to switch on low-beam headlights and rear fog lights, while ensuring windows remain clear through the use of wipers and defrosters.

The department cautioned against the use of high-beam headlights, warning that they can reflect off the fog and further impair visibility.

“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,” JMPD said.

Road users have also been urged to remain in their lanes, avoid unnecessary overtaking and refrain from stopping in the roadway. Where visibility becomes extremely poor, motorists are advised to pull completely off the road and wait for conditions to improve.

JMPD stressed that limited visibility is not a valid legal defence in the event of a collision.

“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,” the department said.

Officers have been deployed at key intersections and high-risk routes across the city to monitor traffic flow and assist in maintaining road safety.

The department further called on motorists to remain alert to pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users and encouraged the public to report accidents, reckless driving or road obstructions through its emergency lines.

Authorities have appealed to all road users to remain patient and drive defensively until weather conditions improve.