In a chilling revelation, data from the Central Government on Road Accidents in India, 2022 highlights the perilous impact of foggy and misty weather on road safety. Between 2019 and 2022, over 120,000 road accidents were attributed to such weather conditions:
- 2019: 33,602 accidents
- 2020: 26,541 accidents
- 2021: 28,934 accidents
- 2022: 34,262 accidents
Despite these alarming figures, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has no immediate plans to deploy an advanced fog warning system on Indian roads.
Government’s Multi-Pronged Approach to Road Safety
To address the challenge, the Government has crafted a multi-faceted strategy emphasizing Education, Engineering, Enforcement, and Emergency Care. Below are key initiatives aimed at reducing fog-related accidents:
- Vehicle Standards and Regulations:
- Mandatory compliance with lighting and signaling device standards (AIS:010 and AIS:008).
- Installation of defrosting and demisting systems in vehicles.
- Mandatory fog lamps for vehicles operating in hilly terrains, as per Rule 125B of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989.
- Enhanced Road Infrastructure:
- Installation of delineators, cat’s eyes, retro-reflective tapes, and safety signage along national highways.
- Improved lighting in critical areas, including bus lay-bys and grade-separated structures.
- Awareness Campaigns:
- Nationwide road safety advocacy schemes.
- Awareness drives through print and social media.
- Policy Updates for Highway Safety:
- A 2024 NHAI circular emphasizing safety measures during foggy weather.
Emergency Response and Victim Support
The Government has also introduced innovative schemes to ensure timely care for accident victims:
- Pilot Cashless Treatment Program: Operational in Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Puducherry, and Assam. Victims of motor vehicle accidents receive trauma care under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), with up to ₹1.5 lakh coverage for seven days post-accident.
- Incident Management and Ambulance Deployment: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) ensures ambulance availability across service areas to address emergencies.
- Good Samaritan Rules: Protection for individuals providing immediate assistance to accident victims, encouraging bystander intervention without fear of legal repercussions.
Ministerial Insights
Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, shared these updates in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, underscoring the Government’s commitment to minimizing road fatalities. However, the lack of a dedicated fog warning system remains a critical gap.
As road users brace for the winter months, these measures aim to reduce the risks posed by treacherous foggy conditions, ensuring safer highways for all.
