Combat winter fog hazards with proactive road safety

Roadside reflectors needed for safety

The authorities in Amritsar should prioritise the installation of roadside reflectors to reduce accidents, especially since many large speed breakers across the city are not clearly visible at night. This issue poses a significant risk even in normal conditions and becomes even more dangerous during the foggy season. Additionally, the Amritsar Municipal Corporation or the Ministry of Road Transport should take effective steps to manage stray animals within the city. A considerable number of accidents occur due to animals, such as cows and dogs, wandering onto the roads. Limited visibility during foggy conditions makes it even more difficult for drivers to spot these animals in time, increasing the likelihood of collisions. Implementing these measures would greatly enhance road safety for both drivers and pedestrians.

Manthan Rajput

Mitigating accidents in winter fog

Dense winter fog calls for a proactive response from authorities to safeguard public mobility. In Amritsar, critical stretches such as the Verka-GT Road corridor and the Amritsar-Tarn Taran highway often experience dangerously reduced visibility, making it necessary to install luminous reflectors, cat-eyes, and high-intensity LED beacons for improved navigation. Night-time patrolling along the vulnerable Vallah Bypass should be enhanced, coupled with strict enforcement of speed limits and mandatory fog-light usage. This would help curb hazardous driving behaviours during foggy conditions. Real-time meteorological alerts, broadcast via variable message boards at key points such as Bhandari Bridge, and mobile advisories, would allow commuters to adjust their travel plans intelligently. Public transport operators, especially those operating along routes like the Bus Stand-Ajnala and Airport Road, must undergo specialised fog-safety training, supported by rigorous vehicle fitness checks. Establishing rapid-response medical units along high-traffic corridors would also ensure timely intervention in emergencies. A coordinated approach between the district administration, traffic police, and meteorological agencies is essential to minimise fog-induced accidents and ensure commuter safety.

Preetpal Singh Chhina

Precautions for foggy weather driving

Fog is a common occurrence every winter, and while it cannot be avoided, accidents can be prevented by following certain precautions. When the fog is dense, we should delay unnecessary journeys until visibility improves. If possible, it is safer to stay home on foggy days. For those who must travel, checking the weather forecast before setting out is crucial, as it helps in planning the day better. Job holders, in particular, need to be prepared to commute despite foggy conditions. Flexible work hours could also help reduce the risks associated with foggy weather. When on the road, it’s important to drive at a reduced speed and apply brakes smoothly. Maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles is also essential. Use low-beam headlights and fog lights, as these will help with visibility. Road markings and the left edge of the road should be used as a guide to keep within the lane and avoid drifting into oncoming traffic.

Sucha Singh Sagar Bullowal

Dangerous intersection on Ajnala Road

The intersection on Ajnala Road, just after the Gumtala flyover, has become a serious traffic hazard. Vehicles from both residential areas exiting and entering the main road face significant risks, especially during foggy conditions. The situation is likely to worsen, potentially leading to even more accidents. There is an urgent need for reflective rumbler strips (speed breakers) on the main road. This measure would help slow down traffic and make the area safer, especially during low visibility conditions.

Bir Singh Bagga

Improving road safety during winter fog

In the wake of major accidents occurring on national highways during foggy days, with vehicles colliding into one another due to poor visibility, urgent action is needed to reduce such incidents. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) should prioritise the installation of fresh edge markings along long stretches of roads, allowing drivers to better identify the edges and avoid skidding, which can lead to accidents. Additionally, authorities must share advance weather forecasts on social media platforms, providing vital information about upcoming foggy conditions to help drivers plan their journeys more safely. An awareness campaign should be launched to educate the public on safe driving during winter fog, emphasising key precautions such as reducing speed, using fog lamps, and driving with low beams. Traffic police should work closely with heavy vehicle drivers and owners to raise awareness about the dangers of high speeds and high-beam headlights during low visibility conditions. Furthermore, authorities should consider installing speed governors in commercial vehicles and implement stricter penalties, including cash fines, for those violating these safety guidelines. Lastly, more highway ambulances should be requisitioned to ensure that injured individuals can be quickly transported to hospitals for timely treatment.

Anil Vinayak