Carr.pk

Punjab Roads Turn Deadly Again as Dense Fog Claims 10 Lives, Injures 21

Carr.pk
Carr.pk
3 min read
Punjab Roads Turn Deadly Again as Dense Fog Claims 10 Lives, Injures 21 - Carr.pk

Dense winter fog has once again turned Punjab’s highways into danger zones, as at least 10 people were killed and 21 others injured in multiple fog-related road accidents reported across the province on Tuesday, according to official sources. 

The latest incidents come amid peak fog conditions, raising renewed concerns over road safety during the winter season.

Accidents Reported Across Punjab

According to a report by Dawn, a series of crashes occurred in different districts due to extremely low visibility:

  • In Toba Tek Singh, a passenger bus collided with a car and a motorcycle on the Toba–Chichawatni Road, killing four people, including three members of the same family. Several others, including children, sustained injuries and were shifted to DHQ Hospital.
  • In Dera Ghazi Khan, a collision between a truck and a car on the Indus Highway resulted in three fatalities and left at least ten people injured.
  • Separate accidents in Okara, Jhang, and Gujrat added to the death toll, with multiple victims reported in critical condition following multi-vehicle crashes and rear-end collisions in dense fog.

Rescue officials confirmed that visibility in several areas had dropped to dangerously low levels at the time of the accidents, making it difficult for drivers to react in time.

From December to January: A Pattern Repeating Itself

These incidents follow a worrying trend already observed towards the end of December, when several deadly fog-related crashes were reported on major highways, particularly the GT Road (N-5).

As highlighted in an earlier PakWheels analysis, Why GT Road Becomes Deadlier Than Motorways During Dense Fog, at least nine people were killed and over 30 injured in multiple fog-related accidents late last month.

With fog now at its seasonal peak, the situation has worsened further, and more cases continue to be reported across Punjab, indicating that the underlying risk factors remain unaddressed.

Why GT Road Remains More Dangerous Than Motorways

As previously explained in the PakWheels blog, GT Road becomes significantly deadlier during dense fog compared to motorways due to several structural and operational issues.

These include mixed traffic flow involving slow-moving vehicles, frequent roadside intersections, inadequate lighting in certain stretches, and the absence of controlled access.

In contrast, motorways are often closed proactively during low-visibility conditions, while GT Road remains operational, exposing commuters to higher risk.

Travel Advisory for Motorists

In light of the continuing fog-related incidents, motorists are strongly advised to take the following precautions:

  • Avoid unnecessary travel during late-night and early-morning hours when fog is at its densest.
  • Reduce speed significantly and drive according to visibility, not posted speed limits.
  • Maintain a safe following distance to allow adequate reaction time in case of sudden stops.
  • Use fog lights correctly; avoid high beams as they reflect off fog and reduce visibility.
  • Ensure headlights, tail lights, and brake lights are fully functional before setting off.
  • Follow lane markings and road reflectors, and avoid overtaking in low-visibility conditions.
  • Stay updated on motorway and highway closures issued by traffic police and relevant authorities.

The Bigger Picture

The recurrence of deadly fog-related crashes, from late December to mid-January, highlights the urgent need for stricter enforcement, better road safety infrastructure, and improved public awareness.

Until comprehensive measures are implemented, Punjab’s winter fog will continue to pose a serious and recurring threat to road users.

Get instant updates — follow PakWheels on Google News.

Related Articles