The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has taken proactive steps to improve road safety. On Thursday, NHAI announced an array of enhanced safety protocols aimed at reducing the risks associated with driving in low-visibility conditions, particularly during the peak fog season. These measures are designed to ensure safer and more manageable travel, especially on highways that are most susceptible to reduced visibility.
The NHAI has laid out a dual strategy, focusing on both engineering solutions and safety awareness. In terms of infrastructure, NHAI has undertaken an extensive plan to improve visibility along critical stretches of highways. Key measures include the installation of reflective devices, such as safety barriers, median markers, and road signs, to better highlight road features. Additionally, damaged or missing signs will be replaced, and faded road markings will be repainted to ensure drivers can navigate with greater ease, even in low-visibility conditions. The strategic placement of solar-powered blinkers at median openings and the restoration of hazard marker signs at merging and diverging points will further enhance driver awareness in accident-prone areas.
NHAI has also initiated a series of public awareness programs to alert highway users about the dangers of driving in fog. These campaigns will be rolled out through multiple channels, including public service announcements on social media platforms, electronic billboards, and radio broadcasts. Variable message signs (VMS) will be installed at key highway points to display speed limits and fog alerts, while public address systems will be used to remind commuters about safe driving speeds—especially when driving through fog-prone lanes. Pamphlets with safety tips will be distributed at toll plazas, ensuring that drivers are well-informed before hitting the road. Moreover, NHAI has ramped up its night-time inspections, deploying teams consisting of NHAI officials, contractors, and independent engineers to identify areas that require additional safety measures. These inspections are designed to ensure that the implemented safety protocols are continuously monitored and adjusted as needed. Special patrol vehicles will be deployed on highways to monitor foggy stretches, ensuring a swift response to any incidents. In case of accidents, the coordination between local law enforcement, municipal authorities, and ambulance services will be streamlined to provide efficient emergency response.
These initiatives are expected to significantly reduce the risks faced by commuters during the foggy months, as they address both the structural challenges of poor visibility and the behavioural aspects of safe driving. The introduction of blinking batons for traffic management and increased patrol activity will further ensure that safety measures are upheld, even in the most challenging conditions. For commuters, these steps represent a much-needed shift towards a safer driving experience during the winter months. The combination of improved road infrastructure, heightened public awareness, and enhanced coordination between authorities will not only reduce accidents but will also build public trust in highway safety measures. While fog-related accidents remain a persistent concern, the NHAI’s forward-thinking approach offers a promising solution to mitigate these risks, allowing travelers to feel more secure on India’s highways during the fog season.
