Winter weather poses a variety of challenges for drivers, as we’ve previously explored with topics like icy roads, and even the risks of wildlife-vehicle collisions during seasonal transitions.
Among these hazards, one stands out as particularly insidious for causing multi-car pile-ups: fog. Today, we’ll dive into the unique dangers posed by fog, exploring the different types and why this weather phenomenon requires heightened caution on the road.
“Fog-related crashes cause over 600 deaths, 16,300 injuries, and 38,700 accidents annually, according to NHTSA.”
If we compile accident reports from late November and early December in Washington, a striking pattern emerges: a significant number of these incidents share a common factor—fog and large-scale pile-ups. This dangerous combination has led to:
Yakima morning accidents
A typical Wednesday morning commute to work or school can quickly become a challenging task when Washington’s dense fog blankets the roads. This was precisely the case in Yakima on November 27, 2024, when over 20 accidents were reported during the early hours.
During winter, roads are not only obscured by fog but also slick and icy, reducing vehicle maneuverability. This combination creates hazardous conditions where even experienced drivers may struggle to navigate safely. Low visibility and slippery surfaces demand heightened awareness and deliberate actions behind the wheel.
In such extraordinary situations, Washington law requires all drivers to exercise extra caution. If you’re uncomfortable driving under these conditions, avoid stopping on the road. Instead, pull over safely to the right shoulder and wait for visibility and conditions to improve.
38-Vehicle Pileup on I-90 in Yakima on December 7, 2022
One of the significant incidents involving hazardous weather occurred on December 7, 2022, when a Yakima man caused a massive 38-vehicle pileup on eastbound I-90, injuring three people and causing a traffic shutdown lasting over 10 hours. Washington State Patrol (WSP) reported that the man lost control of his vehicle due to excessive speed, resulting in a chain reaction crash involving 20 cars and 18 trucks.
The accident was exacerbated by freezing temperatures of 21°F and dense fog covering the road, reducing visibility and increasing the likelihood of accidents. Although the driver’s speed was determined to be the main factor, authorities confirmed that neither drugs nor alcohol played a role in the crash. This incident highlights the crucial importance of adjusting driving speed and maintaining caution in adverse weather conditions, especially when fog and icy roads are present.
Freezing Fog and the I-90 Pileup
In late November 2022, freezing fog caused a massive pileup of over 30 vehicles along Interstate 90, forcing its closure for more than 12 hours. The incident, which left at least three people injured, highlighted the severe risks associated with this weather phenomenon, particularly in Central Washington, where such accidents spanned across the state.
Freezing fog, which occurs when surface temperatures drop to or below 32°F (0°C), presents a dual threat to drivers. Not only does it significantly reduce visibility, but the moisture in the fog can freeze upon contact with cold roadways, creating slippery patches. This is especially hazardous on bridges and overpasses, where icy conditions form more readily.
Last November: Freezing Fog in Seattle
In the same week as the recent Yakima fog incident, another case of freezing fog caused significant traffic delays across the region. Frigid temperatures and dense fog combined to create hazardous driving conditions, leading to a series of accidents and backups. A rollover crash on northbound I-5 at State Route 516 in Kent resulted in a backup of at least 10 miles during the morning commute, with some drivers facing a commute of over two hours between Tacoma and Seattle.
Additional crashes were reported on the I-5 express lanes and State Route 18 near Snoqualmie, while icy conditions caused a semi-truck to spin out on US 101 in Grays Harbor County. Dense fog advisories were in place throughout the Puget Sound region, warning drivers of the dangers posed by this weather phenomenon.
Freezing fog, where supercooled water droplets freeze instantly upon contact with surfaces, is one of the most perilous weather conditions encountered in western Washington.
30-Vehicle Collision on I-90 near Kittitas, Wash. – December 2023
A significant accident occurred on eastbound I-90 near Kittitas, Washington, when 30 vehicles, including 12 tractor-trailers, collided due to freezing fog. The crash, which took place around 5:30 a.m., led to a major traffic jam and the closure of the eastbound lanes.
The freezing fog resulted in dangerously low visibility and icy road conditions, causing vehicles to lose control. After the crash, one of the semi-trucks was torn open, spilling apples across the freeway, which made the situation even more challenging. The Washington State Department of Transportation estimated that the lanes would reopen at 4 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, as crews worked to clear the wreckage and restore safety for drivers. This event highlights the unpredictable dangers of driving in freezing fog on highways with heavy traffic.
Superfog: A Danger from Washington Fires Causes Deadly Pile-Up in Oregon
On a cold morning in Oregon, a sixty-vehicle pileup tragically resulted in at least one fatality near Halsey, when heavy fog caused by massive wildfires in Washington overtook the area. The crash occurred around 8 a.m. on Interstate 5 between mileposts 228 and 211, leading to the temporary closure of lanes. Vehicles were trapped in the gridlock, and the Oregon Department of Transportation had to drop the cable barrier to direct traffic while emergency teams worked to clear the wreckage.
The thick fog that blanketed the highway was compounded by the high humidity and smoke from wildfires burning across Washington. According to meteorologists, this unusual fog was made even more hazardous by the warmth and moisture from the fires, marking the final day of unseasonably hot conditions for the region.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of how superfog—a rare yet dangerous phenomenon—can drastically reduce visibility to less than 10 feet. In some extreme cases, it can create near-zero visibility. Superfog forms when smoke or wildfire haze mixes with cool, damp air, causing moisture to condense and creating thick, dense fog that can appear suddenly.
While superfog is more common in southern states, where marsh fires, calm winds, and high humidity are factors, this incident in Oregon shows that such conditions can be exacerbated by the direction of winds, even from states like Washington. The thick haze from distant wildfires could endanger areas far beyond the fire’s location. This event underscores the unpredictable and widespread dangers of superfog—a reminder that nature’s forces can reach us in ways we least expect.
Driving in Fog: Hazards and Precautions
Driving in fog presents several risks, primarily due to reduced visibility and slippery road conditions. Fog can make it difficult to see the road or other drivers nearby, often obscuring road signs, lane markings, and obstacles. Condensation from the fog can create wet, slick surfaces, reducing tire traction and making vehicles harder to control. This increases the likelihood of skidding or losing control, especially on bridges, overpasses, or areas with uneven terrain.
In these conditions, steering becomes less responsive, which leaves drivers with limited ability to react to sudden changes, such as unexpected stops or obstacles. Slower reaction times in fog, combined with the lack of visibility, increase the chances of collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, or objects on the road.
To stay safe in foggy conditions, take extra precautions:
- Reduce speed and increase the distance between your vehicle and others to allow for more time to react.
- Use low beam headlights and avoid high beams, as they can reflect off the fog and worsen visibility.
- Stay in your lane and keep your vehicle as steady as possible, especially if the road is slick.
- Pull over safely if the fog becomes too dense to drive, and wait for conditions to improve before continuing your journey.
Staying alert and prepared in these conditions can help reduce the likelihood of accidents and keep you safe while navigating foggy or superfog-affected roads.