Hyderabad faces significantly riskier driving conditions this winter due to dense fog and blinding glare, according to road safety experts and traffic police. The city is experiencing its coldest winter in seven years, which has led to reduced visibility, particularly during early morning and late-night hours. This combination of extreme cold, fog, and glare is increasing the risk of road accidents, prompting urgent advisories from authorities.^[1][2][3] ### Visibility Challenges and Accident Statistics Driving is primarily a visual task, and winter conditions severely compromise this. Dr. Neelima Chakrabarty, a principal scientist at the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), explained that during fog and glare, the brain receives delayed and distorted information, even if drivers believe they are in control.^[1] A CRRI study on driver behavior in adverse weather found that the frequency of crashes increases in foggy and rainy conditions despite drivers often slowing down.^[1] Accident rates, which stand at 13.6 percent in clear weather, rise to over 14 percent in fog and nearly 16 percent during rain.^[1] Glare from oncoming headlights presents another major risk. The CRRI study revealed that almost one-third of drivers struggle with glare recovery, which is the ability to regain clear vision after being temporarily blinded.^[1] High-beam usage significantly worsens this issue in fog, as light scatters and reduces contrast, according to Dr. Chakrabarty.^[1] She also noted that reaction time for drivers can increase by one to two seconds in fog and rain. Even a one-second delay can mean a vehicle travels several meters without the driver having full visual control.^[1] Experienced drivers are sometimes more likely to overspeed despite poor visibility.^[1] ### Police Issue Strict Safety Advisories Both Cyberabad and Rachakonda traffic police have issued comprehensive safety advisories for motorists. These warnings specifically target drivers on highways, the Outer Ring Road (ORR), and city flyovers, which are particularly prone to heavy fog.^{[1][2][4][5][6][7][3]} Cyberabad Police urged motorists to avoid speeding and refrain from using high beams.^[1][6] They also stressed the importance of avoiding distractions, such as mobile phones, while driving through fog-prone areas.^[1][8][4] Rachakonda Police Commissioner G. Sudheer Babu appealed to all motorists to be cautious and strictly follow safety guidelines.^[9][10] He emphasized the need to maintain speed limits, wear helmets and seatbelts, and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol.^[9][10] Motorists should also regularly inspect their vehicle's brakes, headlights, indicators, and tires, ensuring they carry a first aid kit.^[9][10] Specific recommendations from police include using low-beam headlights and fog lamps, as high beams reflect off the fog and worsen visibility for all drivers.^{[2][8][4][5][6][11][7][10]} Drivers must maintain a safe distance from other vehicles to prevent sudden collisions and avoid abrupt braking or lane changes.^{[2][8][4][5][6][7][10]} Keeping windshields clean and using defoggers or wipers is crucial to prevent mist buildup and maintain clear vision.^{[8][4][5][6][7][10]} Dheerendra Samineni, a Hyderabad-based road safety expert, highlighted a common mistake: drivers switching on hazard lights while driving in fog.^[11] He clarified that hazard lights should only be used when a vehicle is stopped or parked, not while in motion.^{[8][4][5][6][11][7]} Samineni advised drivers to focus on lane markings and, if unclear, to drive near the median where markings might be more visible.^[11] ### Broader Impact and Ongoing Measures The current cold wave has seen nighttime temperatures drop significantly across Hyderabad and surrounding districts. Serilingampally recorded lows of 8.8°C, while other districts like Kumaram Bheem Asifabad and Adilabad saw temperatures around 7.9°C. U^[2][3]rban areas such as Rajendranagar and BHEL experienced minimum temperatures ranging from 12.2°C to 14.1°C. The^[2][3]se low temperatures, combined with high humidity, contribute to the formation of dense fog that can persist for several hours, making even daytime driving hazardous. Na^[3]tionally, the dangers of winter fog are stark. Government reports from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways indicate that over 34,000 accidents were attributed to foggy conditions across India last winter. The^[2][3]se fog-related incidents tragically resulted in more than 14,500 deaths, marking a nearly 9 percent increase compared to the previous year. To^[2][3] enhance public safety, police have intensified patrols in fog-prone zones, especially on the ORR. The^{[2][4][5][6][3]}se patrols monitor traffic, assist drivers, and ensure compliance with safety directives. Aut^[2][3]horities also advise citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy fog and to stay alert for traffic updates via radio and social media. For^[4][5][6] two-wheeler riders, wearing reflective jackets and keeping helmet visors clean is crucial for visibility. Ped^{[2][5][6][10]}estrians are urged to avoid dark clothing and to cross roads only after confirming clear visibility. Ra^[5]chakonda Police Commissioner Sudheer Babu emphasized that road safety is a collective duty. "If everyone adheres to these recommendations, there is a potential for a substantial decrease in road accidents," he stated. "Achieving safe roads requires collaboration among the government, law enforcement, and the community." ME^[10]TA_TITLE: Hyderabad Fog, Glare Hike Accident Risk Over 14% This Winter

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