CHP warns “fog season is here” after weekend of serious crashes involving commercial vehicles

The California Highway Patrol is warning drivers that “fog season is here” after multiple fog-related crashes over the weekend. 

Two major accidents happened on Friday, January 16th, and Sunday, January 18th, in Fresno County, California. 

CHP Fresno reports that the Friday morning incident involved four commercial vehicles on a foggy Highway 43 near Hanford. Officers did not allow news crews on the scene due to possible toxins spilled in the accident, reported Fox 26.

CHP Fresno says that there were no serious injuries in the accident, but the “mangled wreckage” caused major delays. 

“Fog season is here,” CHP wrote in a Facebook post. Plan accordingly: changes to your normal routine may be necessary. If possible, postpone or delay your trip. Leave early to allow extra travel time at slower speeds. Buckle up. Low-beam lights. Put away distractions. And most importantly… SLOW DOWN.”

The fatal Sunday morning crash occurred on Clovis Avenue near Highway 99. CHP reports that “visibility in the area was low due to dense fog” when a semi truck attempted to make a turn near Golden State Boulevard. A southbound pickup truck then slammed into the side of the semi truck as it attempted the turn, killing the motorist. 

The force of the collision wedged the pickup truck cab underneath the trailer and caused it to catch fire. The crash is still under investigation. 

“Another weekend marked by tragedy on the fog-filled roads of Fresno County,” CHP Fresno wrote in another Facebook post. 

“Fog changes everything. Visibility vanishes in seconds. Reaction time disappears. And when unsafe speed and poor decisions are added, the outcome is often devastating. We cannot stress this enough: driving in fog demands extra caution.”

Fog season in Central California can run from Veterans day until Valentine’s Day. Drive with caution.