Fog Causes Over 30,000 Road Accidents Every Year in India: Govt In Rajya Sabha

There were 35,602 accidents due to fog in 2019. The figure reduced to 26,541 accidents in 2020 and 28,934 in 2021 — the Covid-affected years — but increased in 2022 when 34,262 accidents were reported

A woman crosses a road amid low visibility in New Delhi. (For representation)

Source : PTI

New Delhi: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has revealed alarming data on the impact of fog on road safety in India. In response to a question raised in the Rajya Sabha Tuesday, Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari said over 30,000 road accidents occur annually during winter due to fog-related conditions.

The ministry shared data from the past four years, which highlight the severity of the issue as winter approaches.

According to official date, there were 35,602 accidents due to fog in 2019. The figure reduced to 26,541 accidents in 2020 and 28,934 in 2021 — the Covid-affected years when there were traffic restrictions in place — but increased again in 2022 when 34,262 accidents were reported.

The numbers show foggy conditions significantly contribute to road accidents during the winter season, posing a serious safety challenge for drivers.

Preventive Measures In Place

To address this issue, the ministry said in its reply, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has implemented several measures this year, which aim to reduce fog-related accidents.

These steps include:

1. Encouraging reduced vehicle speeds during foggy conditions
2. Installing reflective road markings to help drivers navigate even in low visibility
3. Adding crash barriers on highways for enhanced safety
4. Erecting safety signboards to warn drivers of potential hazards.
5. Ensuring proper lighting at designated lay-by areas for trucks and buses.

According to the road transport ministry, the government has in collaboration with the National Health Authority (NHA) also implemented a pilot programme at some places — Haryana, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Assam, Chandigarh, and Puducherry — to provide cashless treatment to the victims of accidents caused by use of motor vehicle on any category of road. 

The eligible victims can avail "Health Benefit Packages relating to trauma and polytrauma care at empanelled hospitals under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), up to a maximum of Rs. 1.5 lakh for a maximum period of 7 days from date of accident".

Besides, the NHAI has deployed ambulances so assistance can be extended in case of any emergency.

The ministry also informed that the government has established guidelines to protect Good Samaritans — individuals who, in good faith, voluntarily provide emergency medical or non-medical assistance to accident victims at the scene or transport them to a hospital, without expecting any reward or compensation.