Government and public agencies across the state of California are warning drivers to watch the road in the coming months, as winter weather conditions descend on the San Joaquin Valley. "Motorists must be alert for rapidly changing conditions in the fog," CHP Central Division Cmdr. Jim Abrames said. "Remember, what you can't see can kill you. Driving too fast during reduced visibility conditions and following too closely causes collisions in the fog. Drivers must accept the responsibility for driving slower and safer in the fog."

In 2007, 21 people were killed in California due to fog-related traffic incidents, while another 374 were injured, according to statistics compiled by the California Office of Traffic Safety. Rainy weather accounted for a much higher number of accidents, as 35 people were killed rain-related traffic accidents last year, with an additional 3,127 injured statewide.

"Most people get used to not driving in the fog, so when it finally hits, they don't think about slowing down," local meteorologist Kevin Durfee said. "This is where the accidents can happen. Much like when we have the first snow of the season, there are bound to be more accidents when it hits because people just don't pay enough attention. And, unfortunately, it only takes one person to cause an accident."

On Nov. 3 of last year, unusually dense fog caused what California Highway Patrol officials called "one of the worst weather-related pileups in San Joaquin Valley history." The accident, which occurred on Highway 99, involved a total of 87 vehicles and 11 big rigs, leaving two dead and another 41 injured.

This year, special highway patrol "pace" units will be deployed on major highways between Bakersfield and Modesto to help slow traffic when visibility drops below 500 feet. The goal is to keep vehicles moving at a slower, safer speed during unsafe driving conditions.

Changeable message signs along Highway 99 and Interstate 5 will also be used to update drivers of changing conditions as they develop.

Over the past 10 years, the number of particularly dense fog days has remained pretty low. According to officials with the National Weather Service, part of this could be because of the increasing urbanization of agricultural areas.

"Really dense fog incidents originate over irrigated farm land, which then spreads outwards," Durfee said. "The wet soil just creates ideal conditions for fog to form."

But when the bad weather hits, California Highway Patrol officials want drivers to be prepared.

To that end, it is recommended that all drivers regularly maintain their car by checking the battery and the tire treads. Make sure windows are clean and that the washer reservoir is filled with no-freeze fluid.

It is also important to know how the breaks on your vehicle react in wet and icy conditions. Stopping distances on slick surfaces are much longer, so it is important to reduce speeds and avoid crossing traffic unless absolutely necessary.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends all drivers to have a flashlight, jumper cables, abrasive material (like sand or kitty litter), a shovel, a snow brush, an ice scraper, warning devices (flares) and blankets on hand in case of emergency. For longer trips, it is also recommended that drivers pack food and water, medication and a cell phone.

Finally, when weather conditions start getting bad, all drivers should all keep their speed down to avoid accidents.

Concerned drivers can also contact the CalTrans Highway Information Network at 1-800-427-ROAD to get specific highway information.

"As you get further into winter, you start seeing fewer episodes of dense fog and not nearly as many incidents of traffic snarl when it hits," Durfee said. "By mid-winter, most people have adapted to winter weather driving conditions. But, you still have to be carefully, because there is always going to be somebody not being as careful as the rest."

The reporter can be reached at 583-2425.

(Nov. 11, 2008)