People risk lives to cross roads as visibility dips in foggy weather
Practice common on Ludhiana-Jalandhar highway, Chandigarh & Hambran roads
With the foggy weather reducing the visibility to almost zero in the morning and evening hours, commuters and pedestrians are putting their lives at risk by crossing roads through undesignated spots.
Dense fog impairs the ability of motorists to react and stop in time, putting pedestrians and cyclists at risk.
The violation is not limited to city roads, but people can also be seen crossing highways in a similar manner. The practice is common on the Ludhiana-Jalandhar highway, near Ladhowal, Basti Jodhewal, Chandigarh road, Hambran road, etc.
On Saturday morning, Tribune team spotted many pedestrians, two-wheeler riders and cyclists crossing the highway near Jalandhar bypass, unmindful of their personal safety.
When asked why he was risking his life by crossing the highway amid high volume of traffic, a cyclist said he was taking a short cut, as crossing the road through designated path required more time. Another cyclist said he was not the only person crossing the highway. “Daily, several people cross the highway without the fear of accident. I pay due care while crossing the road on foggy days,” he added.
Shopkeepers near the Jalandhar bypass said the police should issue challans to the commuters, who violate rules, because they are not only putting their lives at risk, but also posing a threat to others.
Traffic police officials maintained that they had been holding awareness camps to spread awareness regarding the issue, but people do not heed. Officials urged the people to avoid shortcuts and take designated crossings to reach other side of the road.
