To counter reduced visibility due to foggy conditions on the National Highways during the winter season, NHAI has taken mitigation measures to enhance visibility for the safety of National Highway users. To enhance road safety during foggy conditions, mitigation measures have been classified under two heads of ‘Engineering’ and ‘Safety Awareness’ measures.

The ‘Engineering measures’ include reinstalling missing/damaged road signs and road studs, rectifying faded or inadequate pavement markings, installation of reflective markers and retro-reflective yellow stickers on road safety devices like metal beam crash barriers, implementation of safety measures on construction stretches that include barricading, diversion signs, and providing solar blinkers on the median openings to maximize visibility on National Highway stretches.

The ‘Safety Awareness’ measures highlight steps to alert National Highway users of the reduced visibility conditions. These measures include use of Variable Message Signs (VMS) or electronic signages to display ‘Foggy Weather Alerts’ and speed limits, use of Public Address System warning commuters in foggy areas, use of electronic billboards, radio, and social media for public service announcements as well as installation of reflective tapes on vehicles to enhance visibility.

In addition, NHAI field offices have been directed to undertake night-time highway inspection on weekly basis to assess visibility on National Highways and identify locations for installing additional provisions as required. Also, Highway Patrol vehicles will be stationed near dense foggy stretches, carrying blinking batons for guiding traffic. Also, use of reflective jackets by officials and workers during highway activities has been mandated. NHAI will collaborate with local law enforcement, ambulance services, and municipal authorities for seamless emergency response. In addition, NHAI team will conduct joint drills with traffic police to ensure efficient coordination during fog-related emergencies.

NHAI has also delegated financial powers for rectification of accident spots to its field officers, these can be utilized for taking measures to enhance visibility during foggy weather and overall safety.

In order to ensure safety, NHAI urges National Highway commuters to follow safe driving techniques during foggy conditions such as following lane driving and maintaining safe distance from the vehicle ahead, driving at the speed of 30km/hr or less to ensure adequate visibility for stopping the vehicle safely, driving vehicles with head/back light blinking, Don’t park vehicles on Highway but only at designated locations such as truck lay bays and wayside amenities, drive carefully near construction sites and diversions, install reflective tapes on commercial vehicles in full width of the vehicle which includes white tape on front and red colored tape at the rear of the vehicle. 

NHAI is committed to take all necessary steps to mitigate risk of commuting on National Highways during winter season, ensuring safe and seamless travel experience for the National Highway users.

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GDH/ DS

(Release ID: 2204143) Visitor Counter : 1298