Fog safety awareness initiative at 5 toll plazas

Jaipur: In an initiative to enhance road safety during foggy conditions, the state transport department has deployed specialised teams at five toll plazas in Jaipur, Alwar, and Bharatpur districts Thursday.Operating from 9pm to 9am, these teams provide crucial driving tips for foggy weather and include a cleaner to assist with windscreen visibility. This initiative coincides with the kick-off of Road Safety Month.“In winter, visibility is severely reduced due to fog and mist, increasing the risk of road accidents. Fog-related road accidents cause over 15,000 deaths in the country each year. We started this initiative to curb fog-related accidents. Drivers are given tips, their vehicles are cleaned, and this also acts as a short rest for drivers,” said an official of the transport department.The information shared with drivers is divided into four categories: what one must do before driving in fog, tips during driving, tips for those travelling on highways or expressways, and tips for two-wheelers and pedestrians.Drivers are being informed to use low beam and fog lights while driving, keep speed low, maintain a safe distance, and avoid overtaking during fog.

“Drivers are being told to keep the music off, as when visibility is low, the driver should be able to hear other traffic. Following lane discipline and keeping a safe distance between vehicles is very important. Drivers are also being informed not to drive if they are tired or sleepy,” added the official.Before travelling, all vehicle owners must check headlights, fog lights, and tail lights, and keep the vehicle’s windscreen clean and wipers in working condition, the official said.“The teams are teaching drivers how to use the de-fogger to keep the windows clean. Reflective tapes on commercial vehicles are being cleaned at the tolls. It is being checked whether the vehicle has a sufficient amount of fuel, as the vehicle’s speed may be slow in fog, which may lead to higher fuel consumption,” the official said.