Himalaya Harbinger, Rudrapur Bureau.
With the arrival of dense fog in the Terai region, road safety concerns have intensified. On Tuesday morning, visibility on the highways of Udham Singh Nagar district dropped to less than 30 meters, increasing the risk of accidents. Aware of the dangers, the district police have initiated proactive measures to prevent mishaps during the foggy season.
District’s Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Manikant Mishra has instructed his team to prepare a comprehensive action plan aimed at reducing accidents caused by low visibility. “The foggy season demands extra vigilance. We are taking steps to ensure smooth and safe traffic flow while minimizing road mishaps,” said SSP Mishra.
The district, which records over 150 fatalities annually, is prone to accidents, particularly during the fog season. Key contributors to these mishaps include stationary vehicles on highways, malfunctioning vehicles, and tractor trolleys operating without backlights during the ongoing paddy season.
To address these challenges, the police have outlined several initiatives. Reflectors will be installed on tractor trolleys, and vehicles found stationary on highways due to breakdowns will be promptly removed with the help of additional cranes. The transport department and NHAI have been roped in to support these efforts.
Furthermore, traffic police personnel deployed on highways will be equipped with reflector jackets to enhance their visibility. Radium stickers will also be installed on police patrolling cars to ensure their safety and prompt response to emergencies.
“The deployment of additional personnel and equipment is aimed at preventing small lapses that can lead to significant accidents,” added SSP Mishra.
