Fog Safety Measures Intensified on UP Highways After Deadly Crashes Claim 25 Lives

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Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh - In a bid to prevent road accidents, highway authorities in Uttar Pradesh have stepped up safety measures on expressways and national highways amidst the ongoing winter fog. The Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) has taken enhanced precautions following a series of fog-linked crashes on Tuesday that claimed at least 25 lives and injured 59 people.The worst incident occurred on the Yamuna Expressway in Mathura, where a multi-vehicle pile-up resulted in 13 fatalities. Four people each were killed in Basti and Unnao, while two fatalities were reported each from Meerut and Barabanki, officials said.UPEIDA's Nodal Officer Rajesh Pandey said fog-related accidents began on Tuesday, with most rear-end collisions caused by poor visibility. To mitigate this, the authority plans to propose reducing the maximum speed limit on expressways from 120 kmph to 80 kmph during the fog period, which is expected to last until February 15.In an effort to protect two-wheeler riders, special advisories are being issued, and arrangements are being made at toll plazas to provide blankets and basic facilities for them. Public address systems have also been activated at all toll plazas to announce real-time fog conditions based on inputs from patrol teams."Fog conditions are usually denser near water bodies and low-lying stretches," Pandey said. "We alert commuters accordingly."Pamphlets containing safety guidelines, do's and don'ts, and emergency helpline numbers are being distributed among commuters. The National Highways Authority of India has also launched a statewide drive to improve visibility and awareness among road users during winter fog.Senior Manager at the Luharli and Gabhana toll plazas, Bajrang Saini, said reflective tapes are being distributed to motorists to improve vehicle visibility. NHAI patrol vehicles are regularly deployed to assist commuters, while toll plazas make frequent announcements about fog conditions, emergency contact numbers, and safe driving practices."This is a regular annual practice during winters," Saini said.Authorities have urged motorists to drive cautiously, maintain safe distances, and strictly follow advisories as dense fog conditions are expected to persist across the state in the coming weeks.