Pickup driver survives collision with semitruck in heavy fog

California Highway Patrol warns drivers to slow down in poor visibility conditions

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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A pickup truck driver was involved in a collision with a large semitruck near Fresno, California, amid heavy fog that has led to several vehicle pileups in the Central Valley region in recent weeks. The California Highway Patrol reported that the pickup driver was a "lucky survivor" due to their reduced speed, which allowed them to brake just enough to avoid a potentially deadly crash.

Why it matters

Fog-related collisions have been an ongoing issue in the Central Valley, with the National Weather Service issuing dense fog advisories for the region. This incident highlights the importance of driver caution and reduced speeds in low-visibility conditions to prevent serious accidents.

The details

According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision occurred when the semitruck was attempting to cross approaching traffic on Manning Avenue. The pickup driver, operating a Toyota Tacoma, did not see the large tanker truck enter the intersection in time and slammed on the brakes, but was unable to fully stop the collision. Images from the scene show the pickup firmly wedged under the diesel tanker, but the CHP reported that the pickup driver walked away from the incident virtually unharmed.

  • The collision occurred on Tuesday.
  • The California Highway Patrol posted the aftermath of the incident on social media on Tuesday.

The players

California Highway Patrol

The state law enforcement agency that responded to and reported on the collision incident.

Toyota Tacoma driver

The driver of the pickup truck involved in the collision, who was deemed a "lucky survivor" by the CHP.

Semitruck driver

The driver of the large diesel tanker truck that collided with the pickup truck.

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What they’re saying

“Thanks to his reduced speed in the fog, the driver was able to brake just enough to avoid what could have been a deadly crash. But instead everyone walked away virtually unharmed.”

— California Highway Patrol (Facebook)

“If you can't see them, they can't see you.”

— California Highway Patrol (Facebook)

What’s next

The California Highway Patrol is continuing to warn drivers to exercise caution and reduce speeds in the dense fog conditions that are expected to persist in the Central Valley region through Thursday.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of safe driving practices, especially in low-visibility conditions like heavy fog, to prevent serious collisions and protect both drivers and other motorists on the road.