Motorists Should Be Prepared for Quickly Developing Tule Fog During Winter Months
MARYSVILLE – Caltrans is reminding motorists to plan for extra travel time and keep safety in mind when foggy conditions are present this holiday season.
Dense tule fog can develop rapidly across the Central Valley during the late autumn and winter months, particularly in the evening and early morning hours. In the Sierra Nevada, similar conditions can occur within mountain valleys. At higher elevations, fog may also form when moist, cool winds rise along mountainsides.
Nearly three out of four fog-related traffic collisions are attributed to motorists driving too fast for conditions, according to the California Highway Patrol. These crashes also account for some of the highest fatality rates on California highways.
To help motorists travel safely in fog, Caltrans offers the following driving tips:
MARYSVILLE – Caltrans is reminding motorists to plan for extra travel time and keep safety in mind when foggy conditions are present this holiday season.
Dense tule fog can develop rapidly across the Central Valley during the late autumn and winter months, particularly in the evening and early morning hours. In the Sierra Nevada, similar conditions can occur within mountain valleys. At higher elevations, fog may also form when moist, cool winds rise along mountainsides.
Nearly three out of four fog-related traffic collisions are attributed to motorists driving too fast for conditions, according to the California Highway Patrol. These crashes also account for some of the highest fatality rates on California highways.
To help motorists travel safely in fog, Caltrans offers the following driving tips:
- Reduce your speed to maintain a safe stopping distance.
- Use headlights on low beam. Never drive with parking lights or fog lights alone and avoid using high beams in foggy conditions.
- Use extra caution when crossing traffic or busy intersections, especially in dense fog. Lower your window and listen for approaching vehicles you may not be able to see.
- Use windshield wipers and your defroster to improve visibility.
- Be patient and avoid passing long lines of traffic.
- Use the “fog line” on the right shoulder as a guide.
- Avoid stopping along the freeway or highway shoulders.
- When exiting the highway, watch for the solid white line on the shoulder to steer to the right when approaching the ramp. Highways prone to fog also use a 3-2-1 reflective marker countdown system to alert drivers of upcoming exits as they approach the off-ramp.
