NHAI Implements Fog Safety Measures on National Highways to Improve Visibility This Winter

To combat reduced visibility caused by dense winter fog, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced a series of engineering and awareness-based safety measures to protect commuters and ensure smooth traffic movement across the National Highway network.

Under engineering measures, NHAI is reinstating missing or damaged road signs and studs, refreshing faded pavement markings, and installing reflective markers and retro-reflective yellow stickers on metal beam crash barriers. Construction zones are being equipped with proper barricading, diversion signage and solar blinkers on median openings to maximise visibility on fog-affected stretches.

Safety awareness initiatives are also being strengthened. Variable Message Signs (VMS), public address systems and electronic signboards will display fog alerts and speed limits. Radio, social media and electronic billboards will be used for public advisories, while reflective tapes on vehicles will help increase night-time visibility.

NHAI field offices have been directed to conduct weekly night inspections to identify low-visibility zones and install additional safety provisions wherever required. Highway patrol vehicles will be stationed near dense fog stretches with blinking batons to guide traffic, and officials must wear reflective jackets during highway operations. NHAI is also coordinating with police, ambulance services and local authorities to ensure swift emergency response, including joint drills with traffic police for fog-related situations.

Field officers have been given delegated financial powers to rectify accident-prone spots and implement urgent visibility-enhancement measures.

NHAI has advised commuters to follow safe driving practices in fog, including lane discipline, maintaining safe distance, driving at 30 km/hr or below, using blinking headlights, avoiding parking on highways, and using designated truck lay-bys and wayside amenities. Commercial vehicles have been urged to install reflective tapes across full vehicle width.

NHAI reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safe, seamless travel during winter months through proactive and comprehensive fog-mitigation measures.