FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — The California Highway Patrol says there’s an increase in crashes this time of year because people feel relieved after a smog-free summer.

The wall of dust that covered Madera County on Monday led to a massive pileup on Highway 152.

“We slowed down until we stopped and then all the cars kept coming and hitting us,” Oakhurst resident Delissa Fulce said.

“The cars behind us hit us three times, and I think they hit us from behind. So it was probably a traffic accident involving 20 vehicles.”

“Our friend, who is in the hospital right now, feels like we’re going to get hit again,” crash victim Julia Parra Pintado said. “Be prepared. And we got shot in the back.”

The California Highway Patrol said the major crash likely would have been difficult to prevent because of how fast the dust was moving.

While we may not see dust storms every day, we have entered fog season and many drivers will encounter Tule Fog when hitting the road most mornings.

Dust and fog can lead to similar conditions on the highway, and the California Highway Patrol says you should take similar precautions if you encounter either.

“Reduce your speed,” said Mike Salas of the California Highway Patrol. “If you can’t see it, don’t risk it. Pull over in a safe place, turn on your emergency flashers, stay seatbelted in your car, and hopefully you can wait until this issue is resolved.”

CHP spokesman Mike Salas said you can even turn on your emergency flashers while driving to make yourself more visible.

When it comes to your headlights, choose low beams instead of high beams.

“The only thing the high beams do is create a mirror effect, thus blinding the driver, especially in the evening hours,” Salas said.

If your vehicle has automatic headlights, Salas said don’t rely on the vehicle to choose the right setting, especially during the day, and to find out the weather forecast before you hit the road.

“If it’s not possible, postpone your trip,” Salas said.

“If you are stuck in a situation that you think could be a danger to yourself or someone else on the road, pull over somewhere where you won’t be a danger if someone comes up behind you. You.”

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