In a move to prevent accidents during the extreme foggy weather conditions this winter, Jorhat Traffic Police have launched a safety drive by installing reflector strips at multiple locations across the city.The initiative, which comes as the region experiences dense fog and coincides with the ongoing picnic season, involves pasting reflector strips on road dividers, light posts and other roadside structures to enhance visibility for motorists during low-visibility conditions.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Subhrajyoti Borah said the measure was necessitated by the severe foggy conditions that have been affecting visibility on roads, particularly during early morning and evening hours when vehicular movement is high.“Reflector strips are being pasted on edge of road dividers, light posts and other roadside structures,” the SSP said adding that the reflective material would help drivers navigate safely even when fog drastically reduces visibility.
The reflector tape installation is part of a broader road safety campaign being undertaken by Jorhat Police during the winter season. “Drink driving checks are also being regularly conducted as well as road safety drives and picnic advisory are also being issued for safety,” Borah said.
The timing of the initiative is particularly significant as the winter picnic season is currently underway in Assam, with families and groups traveling to various destinations, often during early morning hours when fog is at its densest. The increased vehicular movement during this period, combined with reduced visibility, creates heightened risk of accidents.
The reflector tapes, which are highly visible in vehicle headlights even in foggy conditions, serve as crucial markers that help drivers identify road boundaries, dividers and obstacles well in advance. This gives them adequate time to slow down or manoeuvre safely, significantly reducing the risk of collisions.
In addition to the reflector tape installation, Jorhat Police have intensified patrolling and established multiple checkpoints across the district to conduct drink-driving tests, especially during evening hours and weekends when picnic-related traffic peaks.
The police have also been issuing advisories to picnickers, urging them to exercise caution while traveling in foggy conditions, avoid speeding, use fog lights appropriately, and maintain safe distances from other vehicles.
Authorities have particularly emphasised the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol, which becomes exponentially more dangerous in low-visibility conditions.
The SSP appealed to citizens to cooperate with the police initiatives and follow traffic rules strictly during the foggy season. “We are taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of commuters, but public cooperation is equally important,” Borah said.
