With winter fog descending across the Outer Ring Road (ORR), highways and several arterial stretches, Cyberabad and Rachakonda police have issued advisories to caution motorists, warning that reduced visibility is likely to persist through the season and could trigger serious collisions if drivers fail to slow down and stay alert. Officers said several stretches have already seen early signs of fog-related risks during early mornings and late evenings, when visibility falls sharply.
High beam will worsen glare
Cyberabad Police advised all motorists to drive with greater discipline and patience, stressing that reduced visibility demands lower speeds, steady braking and consistent lane use. Officers said high beams only worsen the glare in fog and urged drivers to switch to low-beam headlights and fog lights when entering affected stretches. They said reflective gear for two-wheeler riders and clean visors are essential to prevent them from becoming invisible to fast-moving vehicles.
Cyberabad Police’s do’s and don’ts while driving in foggy conditions
Lights
Always use low-beam headlights in fog
Avoid using high-beam lights
Switch on fog lights immediately upon entering fog-affected zones
Do not use hazard lights while driving; switch them on only when your vehicle is stopped
Keep tail-lamps clean and ensure they are clearly visible
Avoid flashing high beams at oncoming traffic
Ensure brake lights are functioning properly to warn vehicles behind
Carry an emergency kit including a torch, reflectors, and basic tools
Speed
Reduce speed and maintain full control of the vehicle at all times
Avoid overtaking in fog; overtaking becomes extremely dangerous in low visibility
Two-wheeler riders must avoid over speeding, especially during early mornings
Maintain moderate acceleration; avoid sudden speeding or abrupt slowdowns
Avoid using cruise control in foggy conditions
Do not stop abruptly on the road; move to the leftmost lane if stopping is necessary
Maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead to avoid sudden collisions
Follow lane markings carefully; avoid unnecessary lane changes
Thick fog blankets the Narsingi stretch of the Outer Ring Road as winter conditions persist in Hyderabad on Wednesday, (November 19, 2025)
| Video Credit:
SIDDHANT THAKUR
Reflective stickers
Ensure vehicle reflectors are visible from a long distance
Two-wheeler riders must wear reflective jackets and keep helmet visors clean.
Pedestrians should avoid dark clothes and cross only after checking both sides
Heavy vehicles should use reflective stickers and keep headlights/tail-lights on
School buses and public transport must follow all fog-specific safety measures
Visibility
Ensure wipers are in good working condition for clear visibility
Keep the windshield clean and use anti-fog/defogger modes to prevent misting
Keep windows slightly open to reduce internal fogging
Stretches with dense fog
Rachakonda police also issued an advisory and said that the fog has been particularly dense on stretches used by heavy vehicles, school buses and long-distance commuters, adding that even slow-moving vehicles are becoming difficult to spot. They reiterated that helmets and seatbelts are mandatory, warned that drunk driving will attract strict action and asked motorists to ensure that tyres, wipers, lights and wiring are in proper working condition.
Police reminded the public that helping crash victims within the first hour can save lives and that Good Samaritans who intervene promptly are eligible for the Good Samaritan Rathna and a reward of ₹25,000.
Both commissionerates said unnecessary travel during heavy fog should be avoided and that abrupt braking, lane cutting and overspeeding are among the primary causes of pile-ups on foggy stretches. Patrolling is being intensified in vulnerable pockets, and advisories will continue to be issued through social media, FM updates and traffic apps to guide motorists throughout the season.
Dos and don’t for motorists
Police advised motorists to slow down, maintain a safe distance, keep to their lanes, use fog lights, rely on indicators early, keep windows slightly open to reduce internal fogging and ensure that wipers, defoggers, tail-lamps and reflectors are working correctly. They also urged pedestrians to avoid dark clothing and cross only after checking both sides.
Motorists were told not to use high beams, not to overtake in fog, not to rely on cruise control, not to use mobile phones while driving and not to stop abruptly on the carriageway. Hazard lights, officers said, must never be used while driving but only when a vehicle is stationary. Avoiding unnecessary travel during intense fog, especially during early mornings, was strongly recommended.
Published – November 19, 2025 01:39 pm IST
