NHAI Rolls Out Fog Safety Measures on National Highways Ahead of Winter Season

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced multiple measures to manage low visibility on National Highways during the winter season. The steps aim to reduce risks linked to foggy conditions and improve road visibility for users. The authority said the measures are being implemented across highway stretches prone to dense fog.

Under engineering-related actions, NHAI has directed field teams to restore missing or damaged road signs and road studs. Faded or unclear lane markings are being repainted and reflective markers are being installed at key locations.

Reflective yellow stickers are also being added to safety devices such as metal beam crash barriers. On highway construction zones, additional safety arrangements are being put in place, including barricades, diversion signs and solar-powered blinkers at median openings to improve visibility.

To inform drivers about low visibility, electronic signboards and Variable Message Signs are being used to display fog warnings and speed limits. Public address systems are also being used in areas where fog is common. NHAI is sharing safety messages through electronic billboards, radio announcements and social media. Drivers are also being encouraged to use reflective tapes on vehicles so they can be seen more easily in fog.

NHAI field teams have been asked to carry out weekly night-time inspections to check visibility conditions on highways and identify spots where extra safety measures are needed.

Highway patrol vehicles will be positioned near stretches affected by dense fog. These vehicles will use blinking batons to guide traffic. Officials and workers working on highways are required to wear reflective jackets.

NHAI is also coordinating with traffic police, ambulance services and local authorities to ensure quick response in case of emergencies. Joint drills with traffic police will be conducted to improve coordination during fog-related incidents.

NHAI has advised highway users 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 30kmph 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.