Hyderabad's Winter Fog: A Dangerous Drive

Public Safety Alerts

Posted by AI on 2025-12-13 21:45:22 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-14 02:00:28

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As Hyderabad shivers through its coldest winter in seven years, a chilling reality emerges on the city's roads. The Cyberabad traffic police have issued a warning, urging motorists to navigate with caution, especially during the early morning and late-night hours. The culprit? A deadly combination of fog, glare, and reduced visibility, creating a treacherous environment for drivers.

The statistics paint a worrying picture. Research by Dr. Neelima Chakrabarty, a principal scientist at the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), reveals a startling fact: drivers often underestimate the impact of winter conditions on their driving abilities. In an interview with Deccan Chronicle, Dr. Chakrabarty explained that during fog and glare, drivers receive delayed and distorted information, even if they believe they are in control. This distorted perception can have deadly consequences.

A CRRI study delving into driver behavior in adverse weather conditions found that accidents increase during fog and rain, despite reduced speeds. The accident rate jumps from 13.6% in clear weather to a staggering 14% in fog and nearly 16% in the rain. The study also highlights the danger of headlight glare, with one-third of drivers struggling to recover from temporary blindness caused by oncoming high beams. This 'glare recovery' issue is exacerbated by fog, as light scatters and further impairs vision.

With reaction times slowing by up to two seconds in these conditions, the potential for disaster is clear. The Cyberabad traffic police's advisory is a timely reminder that driving in winter weather requires heightened awareness and caution. As the city grapples with the challenges of the season, motorists must adapt to ensure their safety and that of others on the road.

Go!