Police urge caution on foggy roadways
Wednesday, November 23, 2005 10:32 AM PST
Andrew Cutler Argus Observer
ONTARIO
The fog that has blanketed the western Treasure Valley for the past few days is prompting local law enforcement officials to remind motorists to take extra precautions.
“You have to take your time,” Malheur County Undersheriff Brian Wolfe said. “There is no rain and no snow falling, so people don't correlate fog with moisture. People think it's dry pavement and sometimes it's not. So we have slick roads and limited visibility.”
Wolfe said his office has responded to numerous slide-offs recently, none of which have resulted in serious injuries. Wolfe is hoping injury accidents do not become commonplace.
“We are asking people to drive within their limitations,” Wolfe said. “Pick a speed that fits the circumstances and with the fog it may not be 60 miles per hour, or it may be 50 or 40.”
Washington County Sheriff Marv Williams said motorists should be wary when traveling into canyons or through shady spots on the road.
“In the shady spots is where the problems start,” Williams said. “A driver may be going along into a canyon and there may be a slick spot.”
Williams said icy conditions, caused by severe fog, caused a two car accident that resulted in the death of Council resident Amy Riggin Monday morning.
Law enforcement officials also warned motorists about driving over bridges. The structures become dangerous during foggy conditions because there is nothing underneath the structure so it becomes easier to freeze.
“When pavement is on the ground it keeps it warmer,” Payette County Sheriff Chad Huff said. “When nothing is underneath (bridges) they tend to freeze much easier.”
Huff also warned about concrete stretches of Interstate 84 between mileposts 13 and 17 in Payette County. Huff said those stretches could become treacherous.
“Concrete areas on I-84 are going to become slicker faster,” he said. “They need to reduce speed and increase following distance. That's going to be real important in this fog.”
Police are also warning motorists to not assume city streets will not affected by the freezing fog. Ontario Police Capt. Mark Alexander said when fog hits it causes multiple problems on city streets.
“One of the problems are uncontrolled intersections. You add fog, and visibility becomes a factor,” Alexander said. “It all boils down to slowing down when you have those conditions. This time of year anticipate taking longer to get to work. Don't take for granted that around town it is going be fine.”
