RAWALPINDI, Jan 26 (APP): The Murree Police on Monday reiterated its 10-point travel advisory, urging tourists and residents to restrict travel and strictly follow safety instructions as heavy snowfall and the risk of black ice were forecast from Monday evening through Tuesday evening.
District Police Officer Murree, Dr Muhammad Raza Tanveer Sipra, warned that sub-zero temperatures had caused snow on roads to freeze into black ice, a transparent and highly slippery surface that severely reduces braking control and increases the risk of accidents.
He advised the citizens and tourists to avoid travelling at night, saying rescue operations and snow-clearing machinery faced serious difficulties during darkness and dense fog.
According to the advisory, no vehicle would be allowed to enter Murree without snow chains. The travellers were also instructed to ensure fuel tanks were full and to check the mechanical condition of brakes, wipers, heaters and defoggers before setting out.
The drivers were further directed to maintain very low speeds on snow-covered roads and keep a minimum distance of 50 metres from the vehicle ahead.
The District Police Officer advised the motorists to keep windows slightly open while using vehicle heaters to avoid oxygen depletion. He said parking on main roads or slopes was strictly prohibited to ensure the smooth movement of snow-clearing machinery, advising the citizens to contact Police Helpline 15 immediately in case of any emergency.