Int’l Road Federation urges India to make fog lamps mandatory to reduce road accidents

Expressing deep concern at increasing fatal road crashes and vehicle pile-ups due to fog in some parts of India, the International Road Federation (IRF), a Geneva-based global body working for better and safer roads worldwide, has urged the government to make front and rear fog lights mandatory on all vehicles. Though they are especially needed in the fog-prone and hilly areas in the country, it is not possible to monitor all vehicles to ensure that only those with fog lights travel to fog-prone areas and therefore, it is necessary to provide them in all vehicles.

“Worldwide research has shown that increased visibility between vehicles reduces crash risk by more than 30 percent, especially during the fog  months of December to February and in the hilly areas. Foggy conditions pose a threat to motorists, and a law to make both front and rear fog lights mandatory, could help reduce the risk of road crashes caused by poor visibility. Fog lights are extremely useful during conditions of poor visibility caused by rain, fog, dust or snow,” said K K Kapila, chairman, International Road Federation (IRF).

“Fog lights and automated vehicle lights that switch on due to poor natural light or fog, or during low-visibility conditions, could reduce the risk of collisions. Presently, motorists who want to be safe usually get an aftermarket front and rear fog lamp fitted on their vehicles. Such fog lights emit a low beam, angled down at the road's surface preventing diffraction of the light. In the normal headlight, the broad beam of such a light passes through the water particles of the fog, reducing visibility for drivers,” said Kapila.

“In Europe, vehicles are fitted with front and rear fog lights as a standard feature for better visibility in fog-like conditions. However, installing fog lights will not on its own eliminate the risk of crashes during foggy conditions; various other countermeasures are also needed for providing safer driving environment, by both the government, drivers as well as the civic agencies,” added Kapila.

"There should be warning signals or mobile weather stations on the road to alert drivers of fog conditions ahead, advising them to slow down.” “Local radio stations,” he said, “could also help by broadcasting up-to-date information on the weather conditions, portable message signboards at sensitive spots, installation of pavement inset lights, similar to runway lights, raised pavements and  warning lights using flashing beacons are some complementing measures,” said Kapila.

“There is technology that can sense fog and activate lights, with dashboard signs to warn motorists to slow down before they get to the foggy area; these dynamic signs can be very effective compared to static signs.  Installation of the overhead gantry boards could also help to warn and remind drivers how to adapt to changing driving conditions,” said Kapila.

“IRF has also stressed on the need for civic agencies to install smart sensor-embedded street lights at identified fog trouble spots in city areas and highways to counter fog and save precious human lives,” concluded Kapila.