Fog - Anti-fog beacons

[Las Palmas]

25 Feb The DGT installs the first intelligent anti-fog beacons in News by @applus

Fog is one of the most dangerous atmospheric phenomena for driving. On the one hand, it considerably reduces the visibility of drivers, and on the other, it forms a slippery layer that increases the braking distance.

To improve road safety in these conditions, the DGT has installed a pioneering anti-fog intelligent beacon system in Europe in one of the most critical sections of the State road network: a half-kilometre section of the A-8, in the Cantabrian highway. The installation of the intelligent anti-fog beacon system after its pilot phase

This new anti-fog smart beacon system has been tested for the last four years. Now, after the pilot phase, the DGT has presented its final version, which includes more beacons and a higher intensity light beam. The presentation of this intelligent system of beacons has been carried out in an act that has had the participation of the delegate of the Government of Galicia, José Manuel Miñones, and the deputy director of Mobility and Technology of the DGT, Jorge Ordás, among other personalities. How does the intelligent anti-fog beacon system work? Smart beacons act as a "beacon" in foggy situations.

Drivers can be guided by pairs of light beacons placed in both directions, one on the central reservation and the other on the hard shoulder. The lower light of the intelligent beacons, in amber, indicates the permanent layout of the road, while the upper light, in red, warns of the passing of a vehicle to alert the driver behind and reduce the risk of rear-end collision. This new intelligent anti-fog system will avoid having to “manually” divert traffic onto conventional roads, which is where 75% of fatal accidents in Spain are concentrated.

The color classification of fog conditions As with snowfall, Traffic has a color classification for foggy conditions.

Green: means that there is a visibility of 120-250 meters.

Yellow: visibility is 65-120 meters and the speed limit is added to 80 km/h.

Red: the fog does not allow to see beyond 40-65 meters and, in this case, the maximum speed allowed is 60 km/h.

Black: when visibility does not exceed 40 meters, in which case the road is closed to traffic.

According to provisional data from the DGT, in 2021 there were 324 accidents with victims in foggy conditions, resulting in 13 deaths and 487 injuries. Although this system of intelligent anti-fog beacons is implemented in all risky sections, at Applus+ we remember to exercise extreme caution when driving in foggy situations, not only because of reduced visibility, but also because of increased braking distance.

To minimize the consequences in the event of an accident due to fog, do not forget to keep the safety elements of your vehicle, such as tires, lights, fog lights and seat belts, in perfect condition.

 

Above is translated by Google. Sorry, too lazy to do it myself.