The Tule Fog phenomenon is one of the leading cause of weather-related traffic accidents in California, and you will almost certainly have to drive through it if you live near the San Joaquin Valley.
It can be a harrowing experience if you're new to the area, so let's go over a few tips that will help you avoid a serious car accident. If you have, however, already been in an accident, make sure you reach out to our firm for the legal guidance you need!
What Is Tule Fog?
Tule Fog is a thick grounding fog that settles into parts of California between November and March of every year. The areas that are the most affected by it include the San Joaquin Valley, the Sacramento Valley, and California's Great Central Valley.
It gets its name from the tule grass found in the Great Central Valley, and it forms when there is relatively high humidity and rapid cooling during the night. The nights are longer during the fall and winter, which is why the fog is more likely to form during this period.
Driving Through Tule Fog
Tule Fog can lower visibility to an eighth of a mile in some conditions, which naturally makes driving very dangerous. The rule of never driving faster than conditions allow definitely applies when driving through any kind of fog, but it is especially crucial when driving through Tule Fog.
You may have to stop suddenly, which is nearly impossible if you're driving at highway speeds on Highway 99. Make sure to be aware of the speed limit to give yourself plenty of room to react. You should also turn on your headlights to increase your own visibility to others.
You may be tempted to drive towards the tail lights of other vehicles and use them to gauge where the road is, but even that can be dangerous. When the Tule Fog is thick enough, the tail lights that you see could be from a vehicle that has either pulled over to the side of the road or even gotten stuck in a ditch.
While you can use the tail lights of some other cars as a guide during your drive, you should also keep an eye out for highway reflectors on the side of the road.
Finally, don't be afraid to pull off to the side of the road or pull into a truck stop for a while if you really don't feel safe driving. Getting to your destination late is always better than not being able to make it at all.
Contacting a Trucking Accident Attorney in Fresno
Accidents happen to the best of us, especially where Tule Fog is concerned. If you ever find yourself in an accident on Highway 99 or anywhere else affected by heavy fog, don't hesitate to contact an attorney experienced in truck accident or personal injury cases at Fowler | Helsel | Vogt.
Our attorneys are experienced in traffic accidents in and around the Fresno area, and we can provide a trucking accident lawyer to your case if you believe that you may be entitled to compensation.
Contact us today at (559) 900-1280 for a no-fee, no obligation consultation to discuss your case.