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The National Highways Authority of India has intensified safety measures across national highways as dense winter fog continues to affect visibility in several regions. The move focuses on improving on-ground infrastructure, increasing driver awareness, and strengthening emergency response systems. Actions include restoring road signage, enhancing reflective markings, deploying electronic warning systems, and conducting regular night inspections. NHAI has also directed field teams to coordinate closely with local authorities to address accident-prone stretches quickly and ensure smoother traffic movement during foggy conditions.
The National Highways Authority of India has rolled out a set of enhanced road safety measures to deal with poor visibility caused by winter fog on national highways. The authority stated that the steps are aimed at reducing accidents during this high-risk period, when fog significantly limits driver visibility, particularly during early morning and late-night hours. Advertisement
As part of engineering-related interventions, NHAI has instructed its regional and project offices to ensure that damaged or missing road signs, studs, and pavement markings are restored without delay. Additional reflective road studs and signage have been installed at vulnerable stretches, while retro-reflective yellow tapes are being fixed on crash barriers to make them more visible in low-light conditions. Construction zones and diversion points are being reinforced with proper barricading and reflective boards to prevent sudden lane changes.
Solar-powered blinkers have been installed at median openings and critical junctions to alert motorists well in advance. The authority has also ensured that diversions created for ongoing highway works are clearly marked and illuminated, as these locations often become accident-prone during foggy weather.
On the awareness front, electronic variable message signs have been activated across major highway stretches to display fog alerts, speed advisories, and caution messages. Public address systems are being used in areas with frequent fog formation to issue real-time warnings to drivers. NHAI is also disseminating safety advisories through digital platforms, electronic billboards, and local media channels to encourage cautious driving.
Field units have been directed to carry out regular night-time inspections to identify stretches where visibility drops sharply. Highway patrol vehicles equipped with flashing batons have been deployed at such locations to guide traffic flow. Officials and on-ground staff involved in highway operations have been instructed to wear reflective jackets to ensure they are easily visible to motorists.
NHAI has strengthened coordination with traffic police, district administrations, ambulance services, and local authorities to ensure quicker response during fog-related incidents. Field officers have been given financial powers to carry out immediate rectification work at accident-prone spots, allowing faster action without procedural delays.
Motorists have been advised to follow lane discipline, maintain safe distances, avoid sudden braking, and keep headlights and tail lamps switched on during foggy conditions. Drivers have also been asked not to stop vehicles on highways except at designated lay-bys or wayside amenities, as stationary vehicles pose serious risks during low visibility.
Source PTI
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