Bhubaneswar: In view of a dense fog warning issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Commerce & Transport Department has issued safety guidelines to the Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) of six districts—Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Koraput and Sambalpur—to prevent road accidents.
The directives were issued on the instructions of Commerce & Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena. The department has decided to intensify awareness and enforcement measures under the direct supervision of Principal Secretary Usha Padhee. A virtual meeting was held with RTOs to review preparedness and implementation.
As per the guidelines, motorists have been advised to drive at reduced speeds based on visibility, use low-beam headlights, maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead, and ensure parking and tail lights are functional. Drivers have also been asked to exercise caution on bends and turns and to avoid driving during low visibility, opting instead to park at safe locations.
The advisory cautions against the use of high-beam headlights, overtaking in foggy conditions, sudden braking, drunk or fatigued driving, and parking vehicles in the middle of roads.
For commercial vehicles, the guidelines stress proper use of headlights, brake lights and reflectors, avoidance of unnecessary night travel, and deployment of experienced drivers. Travel during dense fog has been discouraged unless absolutely necessary.
To ensure effective implementation, a separate virtual meeting was also held with senior officials of the State Transport Authority, Deputy Transport Commissioners and RTOs.
