Passenger vehicle struck truck in heavy fog near Whisler Road
February 05, 2026 | Mc Farland, CA
Dense fog severely limited visibility early Thursday, potentially playing a key role in a deadly crash between two vehicles at the intersection of Garzoli Avenue and Whisler Road.
Matilde Munoz Santillano, 64, of McFarland, died after the vehicle in which she was a passenger collided with a truck at Garzoli Avenue and Whisler Road.
Matilde Munoz Santillano, a 64-year-old McFarland resident, was riding as a passenger in one of the vehicles when it slammed into a truck around 6 a.m. She suffered fatal injuries and was declared deceased at the scene. The Kern County Coroner's Office later confirmed her identity.
No details have been released on injuries to the truck driver or other involved parties. The McFarland Police Department remains actively investigating the incident's circumstances.
What Happened in the Crash?
Authorities reported that heavy fog created hazardous driving conditions, leading to the collision. Key details include:
- Date and Time: Feb. 5, approximately 6 a.m.
- Location: Garzoli Avenue and Whisler Road, McFarland, CA
- Vehicles Involved: Passenger vehicle and a truck
- Victim: Matilde Munoz Santillano, 64, passenger, pronounced dead on site
- Agency Response: McFarland Police Department is leading the investigation, and Kern County Coroner's Office is handling identification
The crash underscores the dangers of low-visibility environments, where drivers may misjudge speeds and distances.
Why Do Fog-Related Accidents Happen?
Fog drastically reduces road visibility, often resulting in delayed reactions and severe consequences. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHA), poor weather like fog contributes to thousands of crashes annually in the U.S.
Common factors in such incidents include:
- Optical illusions are causing drivers to underestimate their speed
- Masked road hazards leading to sudden stops or swerves
- Rear-end collisions from insufficient following distances
To mitigate risks, drivers should:
- Slow down significantly and use low-beam headlights
- Maintain greater following distances
- Pull over if fog thickens beyond safe navigation
Factor |
Impact on Crashes |
Source |
|---|
Reduced Visibility |
Increases reaction time by up to 2 seconds |
Federal Highway Administration |
Speed Misjudgment |
Accounts for 20% of fog-related incidents |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
Rear-End Collisions |
Most common outcome, with 70% involving trucks |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the importance of thorough investigations in motor vehicle crashes to determine contributing factors like weather and road conditions.
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must thoroughly be examined,” said Candice Bond, managing partner with Bond Legal. “In cases such as this, an accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision.”
Key takeaways from such analyses include:
- Detailed reconstructions can reveal hidden causes like fog's role
- Compensation may cover medical costs, lost wages, and emotional effects
- Families benefit from staying informed on official investigations
Pending results, the family of Matilde Santillano could pursue a wrongful death claim for losses including companionship and suffering.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.”
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(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).