January 20, 2026 – Merced CHP officials issue a safety reminder during foggy conditions. Fog doesn’t care how familiar the road is.

On an early morning last week, officers responded to a crash on a county road where dense fog and low visibility played a major role. The driver of the Jeep didn’t see a semi backing into a lot in time to slow down or safely avoid it and collided with the front of the truck. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured.

Fog changes everything. Visibility can drop in seconds, depth perception gets tricky, and your stopping distance quickly becomes the difference between a close call and a collision. If you can’t see far enough ahead to react safely, you’re driving too fast for conditions.

Slow down, increase your following distance, and use low-beam headlights (high beams can make it worse). Give yourself time and space to make safe decisions.

Have you dealt with fog like this recently in Merced County?

Source & photos: Merced CHP