Extreme Visibility Due to Fog Blamed for Chain-reaction Crash on Oregon Highway

According to the authorities report, a chain-reaction crash occurred on Interstate 5 on the western Oregon highway. 60 vehicles were reportedly involved in the crash resulting in one death. The thick fog was said to be a factor in the accident.

Extreme fog causing zero visibility in major roadways could result in road collisions and crashes. Motorists or drivers should be cautious in driving to prevent accidents.

According to AccuWeather, the crash happened on Wednesday (7:45 a.m, PDT) on the southbound Interstate 5 located between Eugene Linn County and Salem.

Chain-reaction crash

According to the news, KEZI 9 News reported that the crash stretched to milepost 228 and mileposted 211, causing motorists to take detours or alternative routes. Authorities are investigating how the accident occurred.

The report showed that over 15 to 20 vehicles (commercial) and 45 vehicles (passenger) were involved in the accident. State police responded to the accident and temporarily installed a cable barrier.

Before the accident, reports said that the visibility in the area was affected by fog, making it hard for motorists.

Moreover, AccuWeather said that trucks involved in the accident caused alarms for leaking fluids. Immediately, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and HAZMAT teams assisted in the cleanup of the leak.

Also Read: Record-challenging Heat to Expect in Northwest This Week

Meanwhile, the report added that school buses were deployed at the crash site to help over 40 stranded drivers from the crash.

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), there are different types of fog:

Radiation fog occurs when the earth's surface is in the daytime absorbs heat. Then, it is radiated to space. Radiation fog often sees or forms in the clear skies with the present, calm winds.
Advection fog occurs during the warm-most air horizontal movement. NHC noted that it appears similar to the radiation fog.
Freezing fog commonly occurs during freezing temperatures.
Evaporation fog occurs when the air begins to mix with the cooler temperature and with sufficient water vapor.
Hail fog occurs after the onslaught of a hailstorm.

Traveling outside

(Photo by Nathan Howard/Getty Images) Noble Mountain Tree Farm on November 20, 2020 in Salem, Oregon

Different fogs could appear depending on the situation. Mostly zero visibility also occurs during hurricanes and storms, affecting major roads in the United States. Fogs can threaten the safety of motorists and can result in multiple to massive road accidents.

Before you travel, check the weather and the main roads. There are available applications showing the weather in the area or reports of fog to zero visibility.
If the roads or areas are extremely not visible, affecting your sight to the road signs, it is best to reschedule your trip for the afternoon or the next day. If you are already driving and the road is foggy or extremely not visible, it is best to temporarily stop in a nearby area, waiting for the fog to subside.
Be cautious in driving and follow the minimum speed on the road.
If you get involved in a car crashes, wait for the emergency or medical team to help you. Notify your family members your situation.