SPOKANE, Wash. — Wildfire season continues across the the state, and Washington State Patrol troopers say smoke and poor air quality are causing visibility issues on area highways.
WSP Trooper Jeff Sevigney said wildfire smoke that is close to the highway has caused collisions in different parts of the state in the past, but the smoke in Spokane County can be just as dangerous if drivers are not careful.
“Drivers that are in those situations should treat it just as they would in dense fog, any other type of inclement weather and the main thing is just turn on those headlights so you can be seen,” Sevigney said. “The worst that can happen is that people can't see you they collide with you.”
Sevigney said drivers should be using headlights if they can't see at least 1,000 feet in front of their cars -- or about three football fields in length.
If drivers do not have car headlights on in these conditions, they could be stopped and fined $136.
As a refresher, WSP troopers also want to remind people to be extra mindful of actions that could start a wildfire.
This means no throwing lit material from cars like lit cigarettes. This could cost drivers more than $1,000.
Troopers also want to remind drivers to keep cars and trailers properly maintained so a malfunction does not start a wildfire.
