In recent days, the humid weather with light rain has caused dense fog on National Highway 6 - the blood vessel connecting the Northwestern provinces with Hanoi and the Red River Delta localities.
In February 2024, Lao Dong Newspaper's reporter noted that fog often appeared at locations such as Phu Cuong Pass from Km 114 - Km 118+500, Thung Khe Pass from Km124 - Km131+100, slope 81 from Km143 - Km147 in Hoa Binh province; Km150 to Km162, Km170 to Km180+500, passing through Van Ho and Moc Chau districts of Son La province.
According to observations, thick layers of fog cover the road, limiting visibility, combined with steep passes and many curves, making it very difficult for vehicles to move.
Especially in the Thung Khe Pass area (Hoa Binh), Pha Din Pass (Son La) is submerged in a thick layer of fog, making it difficult to move.
Many sections of the road have been reduced to less than 20m, directly affecting vehicles, especially trucks, long-distance passenger cars and motorbikes.
Mr. Nguyen Van Hung, a driver running the Hanoi - Son La route, said: "Since dawn, fog has covered the entire Thung Khe Pass area, making driving extremely stressful. Sometimes I can't see the car going ahead, just turn on the fog lights and slow down."
Not only does the movement affect, the fog also makes the road slippery, especially dangerous when going downhill or curving on the pass sections.
Talking to reporters, the leader of the Traffic Police Department, Hoa Binh Provincial Police said that the fog reduces visibility, making it difficult for drivers to detect obstacles or vehicles in front, easily leading to consecutive collisions.
In particular, many people have the habit of sticking to the rear of the vehicle in front to "pull the road", accidentally increasing the risk of accidents when the vehicle in front brakes suddenly.
The dense fog also affects the system of signs and road markings. Many sections do not have street lights, making observation even more difficult. For motorbikes, fog also reduces road compliance, increasing the risk of slipping on the wheels if traveling at high speed.
"The traffic police force has also increased patrols on dangerous roads to guide and support vehicles to move safely" - the leader of the Traffic Police Department, Hoa Binh Provincial Police added.
In addition, the traffic police force also recommends that people should turn on fog lights or spotlights to avoid using headlights that can easily cause eye damage. Along with that, keep a safe distance, do not follow the rear of the vehicle in front, move slowly, limit sudden braking, especially on mountain passes. Check the braking and tire systems, making sure the vehicle is operating well before going through the steep pass.
