NEW DELHI: Turn on the hazard lights, drive at a slow pace and don’t tail vehicles. Use the horn periodically, employ low beam headlights and, above all, have no distractions like loud music.
These are some of the expert suggestions to drivers battling dense fog on Delhi roads. A similar advisory was also issued on Monday by Delhi Traffic Police.
In the morning on Monday, there was dense fog on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, Lodhi Road, Akshardham area, Mayur Vihar flyover, Dwarka, DND Flyway and several other expanses across the city.
The city has been experiencing chilly days and foggy conditions in the last few days. India Meteorological Department has predicted a fall in temperatures this week. Delhi has already been given a ‘yellow alert’ with the city wrapped in dense fog and the visibility range down to a minimum. The yellow alert is a warning to ‘be aware’ on the roads on account of moderate to dense fog.
In a detailed advisory, the traffic police asked commuters and road users to take all necessary precautions to avoid accidents or injuries. According to road safety experts, fog is a significant environmental factor in road crashes during the winter months. The low visibility caused by fog often results in road accidents and collision of vehicles. Infrastructural defects, poor road design and unruly road behaviour aggravate the risk of road accidents for road users.
Piyush Tewari, founder and CEO, SaveLIFE Foundation, said, “One of the most important things to be kept in mind during winters to ensure safety for self and others is avoiding speeding because fog creates the illusion of slow motion when one may actually be speeding. Coming to sudden halts at high speeds is difficult and with the fog often necessitating abrupt stoppages, only low speeds may avert accidents.”
Tewari also pointed out that bad road-use behaviour such as driving in the wrong lane, distracted driving, using mobile phones when driving and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol should be strictly avoided. “During the foggy months, drivers should be mindful of driving on the low beam to ensure optimal visibility. They must be alert and tuned into the traffic around them,” said Tewari.
According to the road expert, drivers should always use the turn indicator to signal a new direction to fellow drivers and avoid stopping in the middle of the road. “In the event that a stoppage at an unauthorised point is absolutely necessary, blinkers should be put on to prevent rear-end collisions. Owing to low visibility there is a higher chance of incoming traffic dashing into the stalled vehicle,” said Tewari. “Fog conditions are also the time to exercise patience as overtaking vehicles during this time may prove extremely dangerous.”
Traffic officials said motorists should be aware of their routes and plan their journey in advance.
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