Winter brings an array of dangers for drivers, ranging from slippery or icy roads to severe storms that can leave vehicles stranded for hours. Additionally, this season is marked by an increased risk of wildlife collisions, as animals are more active during the rut. However, one hazard stands out for its subtle yet deadly nature—fog.
Particularly common in late November and early December, fog has been a contributing factor in numerous multi-car pile-ups over the years. Its ability to drastically reduce visibility, create wet road surfaces, and catch drivers off guard makes it uniquely treacherous. Understanding the conditions under which fog forms and why it’s so hazardous is essential for staying safe on the road. In this article, we’ll explore the dangers of fog, its impact on driving conditions, and how to navigate it with heightened caution.
“Fog-related crashes cause over 600 deaths, 16,300 injuries, and 38,700 accidents annually, according to NHTSA.”
Fog and Ice Spark Six Multi-Vehicle Crashes in a Single Morning
During the early morning commute on December 3, 2024, Jackson County, Oregon, experienced a series of six crashes due to a hazardous combination of dense fog and icy road conditions along Table Rock Road, near Wheeler Road and Pumice Lane. Several people were hospitalized following the accidents, underscoring how the early hours of the day, when visibility is heavily compromised, can often be even more dangerous than nighttime driving under dense fog.
Deadly Fog Causes 60-Vehicle Pileup
A devastating crash involving approximately 60 vehicles unfolded on I-5 near Harrisburg, Oregon, during the early hours of a typical Wednesday, around 8 a.m., under conditions of near-zero visibility caused by dense fog and smoke from nearby wildfires. Tragically, one person lost their life, while others sustained injuries.
Among the vehicles involved, officials reported 15 to 20 commercial trucks and 45 passenger cars, leading to the closure of 17 miles of the southbound highway. The incident created a backup stretching over 4 miles and even caused severe delays on Route 99W, which served as a detour.
At the time of the collision, visibility in nearby Eugene was reported at just 1/16 of a mile, and the National Weather Service had issued both an Air Quality Alert and a Smoke Air Quality Advisory for the region, citing stagnant air conditions due to a high-pressure system locked over the Pacific Northwest. The compounding effects of fog and smoke serve as a stark reminder of how dangerous driving can become in low-visibility situations.
Superfog: Danger Stemming from Washington Fires Causes Fatal Pile-Up in Oregon
The thick fog blanketing the highway that morning was made even more dangerous by the combination of high humidity and smoke from wildfires burning in Washington. According to meteorologists, this unusual type of fog was intensified by the warmth and moisture from the fires, marking the end of an unexpectedly hot stretch for the region.
This event, superfog, a rare but perilous phenomenon, can reduce visibility to less than 10 feet, and in extreme cases, nearly zero visibility. Superfog develops when smoke or haze from fires mixes with cool, moist air, causing condensation and producing dense fog that can form unexpectedly.
Though more common in the southern states, where marsh fires and calm winds contribute to fog conditions, this incident in Oregon shows how wind patterns can carry dense haze from distant wildfires, as far as Washington, endangering areas far beyond the fires’ immediate locations. This highlights the unpredictable and wide-reaching dangers of superfog, emphasizing that nature’s effects can often reach us in unexpected ways.
Fatal Fog Crashes Claim Three Lives in Oregon
In a series of tragic events spanning late January 2015, three people were killed, and several others were hospitalized after multiple fog-related crashes. The accidents occurred in darkness and were all linked to heavy fog that significantly reduced visibility across various Oregon roads.
The first incident took place near Mt. Angel at around 6 p.m. on January 26, 2015. A 17-year-old driver attempted to evade police, resulting in a crash that killed a female passenger and seriously injured another. The driver, identified as Drake Carson, fled the scene but was apprehended the following morning.
In Linn County, a fatal crash occurred on Highway 99E, where a vehicle drove the wrong way, causing a head-on collision. The driver of the Pontiac, Nancy Cavalo, 66, was pronounced dead after the crash. The crash also involved two other vehicles and caused a major disruption on the highway for hours.
The final accident took place in Salem, on I-5 around 1 a.m. on January 27, 2015, when a Lexus rear-ended a semi-truck, killing one person. Fog and darkness were believed to be key contributing factors.
Morning Fog Near Albany Causes Accidents on I-5
In the first week of 2014, morning fog near Albany caused several accidents on Interstate 5, prompting Oregon State Police to warn travelers to exercise caution due to low visibility. Multiple crashes occurred as a result of the dense fog, the Oregon Department of Transportation reported delays and injured drivers.
Freezing Fog and Winter Storm Lead to Highway 97 Crashes
In October 2020, a severe winter storm brought treacherous road conditions across Oregon, leading to multiple accidents over the weekend and into Monday. Law enforcement agencies were overwhelmed with crash reports and had to prioritize responses to incidents involving serious injuries or fatalities.
On Monday morning, a five-vehicle crash occurred on Highway 97, just north of the Highway 58 intersection. The accident resulted in several serious injuries and one fatality, although the victim’s identity was not immediately released by the Oregon State Police (OSP).
Two days earlier, slick roads and freezing fog near the Oregon/California border caused a 17-vehicle pileup on Highway 97, involving multiple semis. This series of events highlights the dangers posed by sudden winter weather and reduced visibility, particularly on heavily trafficked routes.
Freezing fog develops when the air is saturated with moisture and temperatures are at or below freezing (32°F or 0°C). This fog not only reduces visibility but can also cause moisture droplets in the air to freeze on contact with cold surfaces, forming a thin, slick layer of ice. This phenomenon is particularly hazardous for drivers, as the ice can make roads, especially bridges and overpasses, extremely slippery and unpredictable.
Navigating Fog: Risks and Safety Tips
Driving through foggy conditions poses unique challenges, primarily due to impaired visibility and slippery roads. Dense fog can obscure important visual cues such as road signs, lane markings, and approaching vehicles, making navigation difficult and dangerous. The moisture from the fog often settles on road surfaces, creating slick conditions that reduce tire grip and heighten the risk of accidents.
In these scenarios, even routine maneuvers like braking or turning can become hazardous. Drivers face slower reaction times and limited ability to anticipate sudden stops or obstacles, increasing the risk of collisions. Bridges and elevated roadways are particularly susceptible to these dangers, as their surfaces can freeze faster under certain conditions.
To mitigate the risks, consider these safety practices:
- Adjust your speed: Drive slower to maintain better control and allow for additional reaction time.
- Use proper lighting: Opt for low-beam headlights, as high beams reflect off the fog and can reduce visibility further.
- Stay within your lane: Avoid sudden movements or lane changes that could lead to skidding.
- Pull over if needed: When visibility is critically low, find a safe place to stop until conditions improve.
By staying vigilant and following these precautions, you can better protect yourself and others when traveling through foggy areas or during episodes of superfog.