National Highways and Motorway Police (NH&MP) launched an awareness campaign to minimise accidents during the upcoming foggy weather. Inspector General NH&MP Wajid Ali Durrani asked the senior officials to take special measures for reducing accidents ratio during foggy weather.
He was addressing a briefing arranged by all the Deputy Inspectors Generals of NH&MP on driving in foggy weather. IG said that chances of accidents may be minimised and security of commuters may be ensured during foggy weather. The IGP said that Heavy Duty and Public Transport Vehicles may be asked to ensure installation of fog lights during foggy weather failing which they would not be allowed to enter motorways.
He further said that awareness campaign regarding measuring the level of fog would be started in print & electronic media. "It is our responsibility to provide accident-free environment to the public on Highways and Motorways", said IG, adding that it has been observed that the fog remains present from 15th November to 30th February on motorways & on highways in spots, especially at late night and early in the morning, which can be highly dangerous for the road users while driving. He said that closure of motorways would be ensured for a minimum time.
During briefing Dr Muhammad Shafiq, DIG motorways briefed that the total area under motorways is 556 km having 15 service areas and 28 interchanges. He also briefed that the Emergency Call Booths on motorway (M-1) from Burbhan to Peshawar have not been installed by the NHA. The IGP took a serious view and ordered that the matter would be taken up with NHA to install Emergency Call Booths on motorway (M-1). The IGP also said that the NHA may be asked to enhance mobile workshops on motorways as the volume of traffic has increased.
He advised the people not to travel during foggy weather from 2200 hrs to 1000 hrs. Wajid Ali Durrani appealed the people to follow the safety measures, including try to travel from 1000 hrs to 1800 hrs. If drive is essential, then install fog lights on the front and back of the vehicle. During fog if visibility is 100 meters, then maintain your speed at 50/60 km per hour and maintain the safe distance of at least 30 meters. If visibility in fog is 50 meter or less, then stop your journey and take rest in Motorway Police Camps or Service Area or Rest Area until the visibility becomes better. In foggy weather always drive in extreme left or middle lane of motorway. Avoid driving in the extreme right lane.
While driving if the spot of fog appears abruptly then do not apply breaks immediately but slow your vehicle gradually and then drive with care. Always fasten seat belt. Before start of travelling, must check the weather/fog condition from motorway police helpline "130" or get information through electronic media.