On December 16, a horrific road accident occurred on the Yamuna Expressway near Mathura due to fog at around 3.30 am, in which 8 buses and 3 cars collided with each other. 13 people died in this accident while more than 70 people were injured. Just two days before this accident, a similar accident happened. Due to low visibility, several accidents took place one after the other in UP-Haryana, in which 12 people died. Low visibility is being said to be the reason for all these accidents.
dense Road safety in foggy weather Becomes a serious challenge. Especially in North India during winter, the fog becomes so dense that it becomes difficult to see even a few meters ahead. In such circumstances, a little carelessness can cause a major accident. In view of this increasing danger, Gautam Buddha Nagar District Administration has issued a detailed ‘Safe Travel in Fog’ advisory, giving priority to the safety of the people. The purpose of this advisory is not to scare people, but to alert them so that they can keep themselves and others safe by taking proper precautions.
Let us know what are the precautions which can be used to avoid accidents. ,
1- Concentration is necessary while driving
If for some reason it becomes necessary to travel in fog, then the vehicle should be driven very slowly. Along with this, there is a need to drive the vehicle with full caution. Especially keep the music system and FM radio of the vehicle switched off because during fog, the ability to hear becomes more important than seeing. Hearing the sound of a vehicle coming from front or behind, horn or any emergency in time can help in avoiding an accident.
2- Moisture accumulated on glass can also become a danger.
Moisture accumulation on vehicle glass is a common problem during fog. Due to this the front view becomes more blurred. Avoid using air conditioner while driving, as it can cause moisture to freeze on the glass. Instead use a light heater and keep the air flow towards the windshield. In vehicles which have defogger facility, it is beneficial to keep them running on mild warm mode. Along with this, it has been advised to keep the windows of the vehicle slightly open, so that the excess moisture inside can come out and ventilation can be maintained.
3- Proper use of lights is very important
Vehicle lights become your identity in fog. It has also been mentioned in the advisory that headlights should always be kept on low beam, because high beam reflects in the fog and confuses the eyes further. Even if there is fog during the day, it is necessary to walk with lights on. Hazard lights can be used if needed to alert vehicles coming from behind, but it is also advised to avoid using them unnecessarily.
4- Be extra careful while overtaking
The most dangerous mistake in fog is overtaking. The administration has clearly said that overtaking should be avoided in such weather. Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle moving ahead and avoid applying brakes suddenly. Always apply the brakes slowly, so that the vehicle coming from behind has time to recover.
5- Safe driving according to the road lane
On two-lane roads, one should drive slowly and it is safer to stay close to the left side of the road. Driving on the middle of the road can be risky. At the same time, on urban roads with four lanes or dividers, driving near the divider is considered relatively safe, because it maintains distance from the oncoming traffic. Navigation apps like Google Maps can be used to get directions.
6- Retro-reflective tape will increase safety
As an additional safety measure, the district administration has appealed to private vehicle drivers to install red retro-reflective tape on the back of their vehicles. This tape shines from a distance in the fog, due to which the vehicle coming from behind gets a signal in advance. Under the Motor Vehicles Act, it is already mandatory for commercial vehicles to install white retro-reflective tape at the front and red at the rear, but adopting it in private vehicles too can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
7- Speed limit fixed on expressway
In view of the danger of fog, the administration has also fixed special speed limits for the winter season on Noida-Greater Noida Expressway and Yamuna Expressway. Till February, the maximum speed limit for light vehicles like cars etc. has been set at 75 kilometers per hour and for heavy vehicles at 60 kilometers per hour. Its objective is to prevent accidents caused by speeding.
8- Keep in mind the distance between two vehicles
To reduce the risk of fog, it is important to maintain distance from the vehicle in front while driving on an expressway. Many times the vehicle in front applies brakes suddenly, which increases the risk of collision. Similarly, many times a vehicle breaks down on an expressway, in such a situation the risk of vehicles colliding with each other increases due to not maintaining the distance.
Caution is the best protection
The district administration has appealed to all citizens to strictly follow the advisory issued in the current fog situation. A little caution, correct driving habits and following rules can not only save your life but can also keep the lives of others safe. Fog is a natural condition, which cannot be changed, but its dangers can definitely be reduced with wisdom and caution.
Read this also :- Out of 13 people who died in Yamuna Expressway accident, only 5 have been identified, DNA test will be done on the rest
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