Open house: What should be done to avoid fatal accidents in foggy weather conditions?

Ensure cautious, disciplined driving

With winter setting in, dense fog will soon begin to cover the region, sharply reducing visibility and increasing the chances of fatal accidents. To remain safe, it is crucial to follow cautious and disciplined driving practices. Drivers should reduce speed as limited visibility decreases reaction time, and maintain a wider distance from the vehicle ahead to allow room for sudden stops. Overtaking should be strictly avoided unless absolutely unavoidable, since oncoming vehicles may remain concealed in thick fog. Using low-beam headlights or fog lamps helps improve visibility, while hazard lights should be used only when the vehicle is stationary to avoid misleading others. Keeping windows and mirrors clean, using the defogger and following road markings can further guide drivers on unclear stretches. If the fog becomes overwhelming, it is best to pull over at a safe spot and wait for conditions to improve. Pedestrians and cyclists should wear reflective clothing to stay visible. By staying alert, patient, and responsible, everyone can help prevent accidents during foggy winter conditions.

Novin Christopher

avoid travelling during fog at night

To control deaths during the foggy winter conditions, people must not move out unnecessarily without work. If they have to go out to attend an urgent piece of work, they must wear heavy winter clothing and cover their head with a winter scarf. One must avoid travelling during foggy weather conditions, especially at night. Heart disease is a common cause of death during winters and one must carry medicines with them in case an emergency-like situation arises.

Gautam Dev

always use low-beam, fog lights

To avoid fatal accidents in foggy weather, the most crucial steps are to reduce your speed significantly, use appropriate low-beam headlights and fog lights, and increase your following distance from other vehicles. The safest option in extremely dense fog is to avoid driving altogether and wait for conditions to improve. Always use your low beam headlights and fog lights even during day. High beams reflect off the moisture in the fog, creating a glare that makes it harder to see. Keep your windshield and windows clean inside and out using defrosters and wipers to prevent condensation and dirt buildup from further obscuring your view. Ensure that all your lights (headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals) are in a working condition so other drivers can spot your vehicle. Only use hazard lights when your vehicle is completely stopped in a safe location, as using them while driving can confuse other drivers about your intentions or whether you are moving or stationary.

Sukhdev Sharma

avoid distractions, set navigation system

While foggy mornings are charming , they also bring challenges. Reduced visibility and excessive speed can cause deadly collisions. Wet roads, which often accompany fog, further add to the danger. It is important to drive slowly during dangerous weather conditions so that you can stop your vehicle in time if the car in front of you makes a sudden stop. Maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. Focus solely on driving and avoid other distractions. Do not use your cell phone, set your navigation system, and adjust your seat. If you need to make or attend to an urgent call, turn your hazard lights on and park the car in a safe place. Do not use high beams ,as they can reflect off the fog and worsen visibility. Avoid overtaking other vehicles. Your car's lights and wipers should be in good working conditions. Make sure you can hear other vehicles if visibility is limited. If visibility becomes too poor, find a safe place to pull over off the road and turn off your hazard lights. Restart your journey when the fog is lifted.

RS SEMBHI

Maintain long safety gap from vehicles

Winter fog creates extremely dangerous driving conditions, and strict precautionary measures are essential to prevent fatal accidents and the tragic loss of human lives. The most important step is to reduce speed drastically, because high speed in low visibility often leads to multi-vehicle collisions. Drivers must maintain a long safety gap from the vehicle ahead, giving enough reaction time in case of sudden stops. Using low-beam headlights or fog lamps is critical, as high beams scatter in fog and blind other drivers. Avoiding overtaking, sudden lane changes, and hard braking greatly reduces the risk of deadly crashes. Drivers should consistently follow road markings, reflective studs, and stay within their lane. Keeping windows slightly open or using the defogger prevents internal misting, which can further reduce visibility. At intersections and turns, lightly honking alerts others of your presence. If visibility becomes dangerously low, stopping safely on the side with hazard lights on can save lives. Responsible driving and patience are the strongest protections against fatal fog-related accidents.

Amarjit Singh Oberoi

drive at a slow, controlled speed

One of the most effective ways to prevent fatal road accidents is to drive at a slow, controlled, and attentive pace. During late evenings and early morning hours, visibility often decreases because of fog, frost, and low light, making driving challenging. Such conditions can cause drivers to misjudge distances or fail to see hazards in time, leading to serious collisions. By reducing speed, motorists gain valuable seconds to react to unexpected obstacles such as pedestrians, animals, or stalled vehicles. Slower driving not only enhances visibility but also improves overall vehicle control on slippery or mist-covered roads. Practicing patience, maintaining a safe distance, and adjusting speed to match weather conditions can significantly reduce risks and ensure a safer journey for everyone on the road. These habits help prevent accidents effectively.

Tavleen kaur

Well-lit roads, reflective signboards necessary

With the arrival of winters, foggy weather conditions become concerning, especially during late evenings and early mornings. Fog reduces visibility and makes driving extremely risky, so taking precautions is essential to avoid fatal accidents. Drivers should always slow down and keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, as sudden braking can lead to collisions. Using low-beam headlights or fog lights helps other drivers see the vehicle more clearly without creating glare. Roads should have proper lighting and reflective signboards so commuters can navigate safely even when visibility drops. People must avoid unnecessary travel during dense fog and check weather updates before starting their journey. Public awareness campaigns can also remind citizens to stay alert and follow safety rules. By taking these simple yet responsible steps, we can significantly reduce the chances of accidents and ensure safer roads during foggy weather.

Veerpal kaur

Follow Japanese

road model

Now that December has arrived and winters have arrived, it is important to introduce some changes to reduce the number of road accidents that usually occur during this season. Fog, low visibility and slippery roads make driving difficult, so both the public and the government need to take responsible steps. One useful idea that can be adopted from Japan is the installation of special illuminated roads. In Japan, certain roads are designed with built-in LED lights and reflectors that automatically glow when a vehicle passes by. This helps drivers see the road clearly from a distance, especially in foggy weather, and prevents major accidents. If similar smart road systems are developed in our country, accident rates can be significantly reduced.

Along with technological solutions, public awareness is also very important. People should be encouraged to drive slowly during winter, whether they are riding a bike, travelling in a car, or driving a bus. Wearing helmets, using seat belts, keeping headlights on low beam and maintaining safe distance between vehicles should be strictly followed. By combining government initiatives and responsible behaviour, winter road safety can be greatly improved.

Ishpreet kaur

Public awareness need of the hour

As December arrives, dense fog becomes a common sight, especially during late evenings and early mornings. These conditions drastically reduce visibility and increase the risk of fatal road accidents. To prevent such tragedies, both authorities and citizens must act responsibly. The government should ensure that all major roads have proper streetlights and clear signboards. Fog lights must be made mandatory for heavy vehicles, and reflective tapes should be used on trucks, tractors, and trolleys for better visibility. Traffic police should monitor speeding and encourage drivers to maintain safe distances. Drivers, on their part, must avoid unnecessary travel during extreme fog, use low-beam headlights, and drive slowly. Public awareness campaigns about winter road safety can also make a big difference. By combining better infrastructure, strict rules, and responsible driving, we can significantly reduce accidents and ensure safer roads for everyone this winter.

Harneet Kaur

Follow traffic rules, safe driving practices

To avoid fatal accidents during foggy weather, people must adopt safe and responsible practices. Everyone should try to complete their outside work before 6:00 p.m., as fog becomes thicker during late evenings. Those who work at night-such as waiters, drivers or delivery workers-should avoid travelling alone and stay alert while returning late. Following traffic rules is extremely important in foggy conditions. Drivers should keep a proper distance from the vehicle in front to prevent sudden collisions. Using fog lights or low-beam headlights makes the vehicle visible from a distance and helps others judge the road better. Pedestrians and cyclists should also make sure they are easily visible by wearing reflective clothing or carrying lights. Overall, slow driving, increased alertness, and proper lighting can significantly reduce the risk of fog-related accidents. With careful behaviour and awareness, many tragedies can be prevented.

Gurleen kaur

regular weather updates helpful

To prevent fatal mishaps, strict safety measures and responsible driving habits are essential. Drivers must reduce speed and maintain a greater distance between vehicles to allow more reaction time. Using low-beam headlights and fog lamps is crucial, as high beams scatter light and worsen visibility. Public authorities should ensure that road signage, reflectors, and lane markings are clearly visible. Regular announcements about weather updates and road conditions can help commuters plan safer travel. Public transport and emergency services must be equipped with proper lighting systems and trained staff for foggy operations. Ultimately, patience and caution are the strongest tools.

Sonampreet Singh

Stay focused, avoid using cell phones

Fog is common during winters, and many accidents occur in the early mornings and nights. We can prevent the accidents by not driving fast. We must also drive slowly during the fog and avoid using high beams. Use low-beam headlights. Make distance between vehicles. We should stay fully focused on the road. Avoid playing loud music or using mobile phones. Keep both hands on the wheel and stay attentive to the road and your surroundings. We should avoid sudden brakes. We should not leave our lane while driving. We can delay or postpone the unnecessary journeys.

Sucha Singh Sagar

Reduce speed, avoid driving if possible

We should drive our cars to avoid accidents in the fog. If we drive our cars slowly, then our risk of accidents will also decrease. When we are standing somewhere in a square, if there is dense fog at that time, we have time at the square and the lights to move forward. We should move forward by watching the time. If we do not move forward by watching it, the vehicle coming from the other side will hit us and we may also have an accident. We should drive our cars slowly to avoid accidents in the fog. We must protect our bodies from getting sick. To avoid fatal accidents in foggy conditions, the most important steps are to reduce your speed, increase your distance and use adequate lighting. The safest option in very dense fog is often to avoid driving altogether.

ANMOL SINGH

Slow down, maintain generous distance

December's chill has settled over our city, and soon that familiar white blanket of fog will transform our streets into hazardous corridors during late evenings and early mornings.

The numbers don't lie-foggy conditions turn routine commutes into potential tragedies. But staying safe isn't rocket science.

First, slow down. That speed limit is for clear days, not when you can barely see your hood ornament. Use fog lights, not high beams-they'll just bounce back and blind you. Keep a generous distance from the vehicle ahead; in fog, brake lights appear suddenly.

Here's what many forget: pull over if visibility drops dangerously. No destination is worth risking lives.

For pedestrians, wear reflective clothing and stay off roads when possible. This winter, let's make a pact with ourselves-patience over speed, caution over convenience. Because the few minutes we save aren't worth the lifetime of regret an accident brings.

Daraspreet Kaur

authorities must install variable Message Signs

Foggy conditions in Ludhiana, especially during late evenings and early mornings in December and January, significantly reduce visibility and increase the risk of fatal accidents. To reduce the accidents and avoid precious lives one must take care not only for himself but for others too. Do not make sudden lane changes, hard braking, or abrupt turns. Signal early and move gradually. The local government must install Variable Message Signs (VMS) on key highways (NH-44, etc.) and entry points to Ludhiana to display real-time alerts about fog patches and advisories. It must also ensure all road signs, lane dividers, and kerb stones have high-quality retro-reflective paint or tape that shines brightly when headlights hit them in fog.

Dr Mohammad Saleem Farooqui

penalise drivers

using high beam

To curb upon the fatal accidents during foggy weather in Ludhiana, some of the major points must be taken care of to avoid fatal accidents. In dense fog, use the white lane markings or the edge of the road (curb) on your right as a guide instead of tail lights ahead (which can lead you off the road if the leading vehicle is lost). Do not stop on the road. This is extremely dangerous. Safely pull over into a parking lot, service lane, or completely off the roadway (like a dhaba or petrol pump). Once parked, turn off all lights except parking lights or hazard lights to avoid confusing other drivers. The police should be visibly present in known fog-prone zones (e.g., near Buddha Nullah, Ferozepur Road, industrial areas) to deter speeding. Penalise drivers using high beams or driving without any lights in fog.Implement and enforce lower speed limits during peak fog hours (e.g., 10 pm to 8 am) in vulnerable zones. Run targeted campaigns (Punjabi & Hindi) on local TV, radio, and newspapers in December itself, educating drivers on fog-light usage and safe driving tips. Involve local transport unions (truck, bus, auto-rickshaw) for wider dissemination.

Farzana Khan

Issue explained

A s the foggy conditions have already prevailed, driving demands a lot of precautions. One should reduce the speed significantly and maintain a greater following distance than usual. It is also wise to turn on low-beam headlight and fog lights. Traffic experts recommend that one should never use high beams as they reflect off the fog and worsen visibility. Always use the right edge of the road or the lane markings as a guide, and avoid drifting. Do not make sudden stops on the road-highway as same may cause fatal accident. Experts suggest that if you can’t avoid your journey only then drive in fog.

QUESTION for next week

Anxiety and depression are increasing in society due to stressful lifestyles and experts have warned about it. What must be done to reduce stress and lead a peaceful life?

Suggestions in not more than 150 words can be sent to ludhianadesk@tribunemail.com by Thursday (December 11)