Citation

Witt J. Calif. Transp. J. 2006; 2(1): 12-13.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, CalTrans Public Affairs Office)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article describes how the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has worked to make driving safer during months when fog—often dangerously impenetrable—envelops the San Joaquin Valley. The fog is so extreme at times between November and February that schools are closed, airplanes are grounded, and motorists are at risk for deadly chain-reaction accidents. Caltrans uses Automated Warning Systems such as roadside weather stations and visibility meters, electronic message signs and AM radio stations to warn motorists. When visibility is less than 500 feet, the California Highway Patrol implements a pace car program in which officers escort traffic through the fog at a slow and consistent speed.