Authorities launch campaign to promote road safety amid fog

Ahead of the reopening of schools, when over 10,000 vehicles will again be ferrying students, the administration has launched a coordinated campaign to raise awareness about the risks of driving in fog. Authorities are urging commuters, particularly drivers of school buses, factory vehicles, and other transport, to heed safety guidelines during foggy conditions.

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The Public Works Department (PWD) has been instructed to address dangerous spots on highways and link roads, which pose significant risks to drivers, even those taking necessary precautions. Identified hazards include eroded road edges, potholes, unsafe cuts in highway dividers, and poorly guarded bridges over canals and drains. These “dark points” are considered potential death traps for both private and public transport.

Malerkotla SSP Gagan Ajit Singh praised the efforts of social organizations, such as the Rotary Club and Lions Club, who are collaborating with the District Sanjh Kendra to sensitize the public. All Circle Officers, SHOs, traffic in-charges, and Highway Patrolling teams from the Sadak Suraksha Force have been instructed to ensure that stranded vehicles do not pose additional risks to passing motorists.

Local authorities are also working with truck and taxi unions, as well as school and factory managements, urging them to advise drivers to follow safety protocols while driving in fog. Despite repeated warnings, investigations have shown that some drivers, including those of school buses, continue to ignore safety advice, with some taking dangerous shortcuts or driving on the wrong side of the road.

Rotary International’s Assistant Governor Elect, Surinder Pal Sofat, emphasised that the organisation’s members have been actively involved in spreading awareness about the dangers of fog driving. In preparation for the school re-openings, a series of workshops and seminars have been organised, along with the installation of reflectors on vehicles and at dangerous curves. These measures are aimed at enhancing visibility and promoting safety.

ADGP (Traffic) Amardeep Singh Rai confirmed that all educational institutions had been advised to follow an advisory on student transport safety, compiled under the supervision of Dr Navdeep Asija, highlighting necessary precautions for both drivers and passengers during the prevalent foggy conditions.