NHAI Implements Comprehensive Road Safety Measures for Winter Fog on National Highways
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) takes proactive steps to address safety concerns arising from reduced visibility during the winter fog. NHAI Chairman, Shri Santosh Kumar Yadav, has directed field offices to implement a range of measures aimed at enhancing road safety and preventing potential accidents on the National Highways.
The road safety initiatives are classified into two categories: ‘Engineering Measures’ and ‘Safety Awareness Measures.’ Given the increased risk posed by foggy conditions, these measures are designed to safeguard the well-being of highway users.
Under ‘Engineering Measures,’ steps include the reinstallation of missing or damaged road signs, correction of faded or inadequate pavement markings, improved visibility of safety devices through reflective markers and median markers, transverse bar markings in habitations and accident-prone locations, ensuring functional blinkers at median openings in under-construction zones, and the replacement of damaged hazard marker signs at diverging and merging locations.
Similarly, ‘Safety Awareness Measures’ aim to alert highway users to reduced visibility conditions. These measures involve the use of Variable Message Signs (VMS) or electronic signages displaying ‘Foggy Weather Alerts’ and speed limit messages. Public Address Systems will warn commuters about a reduced driving speed limit of 30 km/hr in foggy areas. Electronic billboards, radio broadcasts, and social media will be utilized for public service announcements at Toll Plazas and Wayside Amenities during foggy conditions. Reflective tapes will be installed on the full width of vehicles on highways.
Guidelines also emphasize the importance of NHAI officials raising awareness among highway users to use blinkers and adhere to traffic rules. Safety awareness pamphlets will be distributed to commuters at toll plazas, providing a contact number for reporting foggy conditions and seeking assistance in case of accidents.
NHAI field offices have been instructed to conduct Nighttime Highway inspections weekly, assessing visibility and identifying locations for additional provisions. Highway Patrol vehicles will be stationed near dense foggy stretches. The highway operation and maintenance team will carry red/green blinking batons for traffic guidance during accidents and establish seamless collaboration with local law enforcement, ambulance services, and municipal authorities. Joint drills and exercises will be conducted to ensure efficient coordination during fog-related emergencies.
NHAI remains committed to taking all necessary steps to mitigate the risks associated with winter travel on National Highways, ensuring a safe and seamless experience for highway users.
