To improve user safety in foggy weather, the National Highways Authority of India, an Indian public company (NHAI) announced on Thursday that it had tasked its field offices with implementing measures to reduce risks and improve visibility. These measures are categorized into two key areas: engineering solutions and security awareness initiatives.

NHAI has planned to improve road infrastructure by improving safety in low visibility conditions. Key measures will include:

Improve visibility by installing reflective devices such as medians, markers and safety barriers. Resetting damaged and missing road signs and repairing faded roadway markings. Installation of solar flashers at median openings and restoration of damaged traffic signs at merging and divergence points. These efforts will be deployed to ensure better visibility for drivers, particularly in accident-prone areas.

Security Awareness Initiatives

The NHAI has also launched safety awareness programs to alert highway commuters of reduced visibility due to fog. The measures will include issuing a public service system announcement to raise awareness through social media platforms, electronic billboards and radio stations. Electronic signs and variable message signs (VMS) will be in place to display speed limits and fog alerts. Use public address systems to alert commuters, particularly of foggy lanes, and to maintain a driving limit of 30 km/hour. Distribution of brochures at toll booths to educate travelers on safe driving methods.

Additionally, the NHAI has also asked the field offices to conduct regular inspections during the night with team members such as NHAI officials, contractors and independent engineers. Inspections conducted by this team will help identify locations that require additional safety measures.

The NHAI will also deploy patrol vehicles on highways for foggy areas. To ensure seamless coordination, the highway operations and maintenance team will have flashing batons for traffic management. In the event of an accident, effective cooperation will be established between local law enforcement, municipal authorities and ambulance services. These initiatives will be taken up by the NHAI to reduce risk factors for commuters and improve road safety.

(With inputs from PTI)