UAE | Traffic and Transport
Drivers warned to beware of changing weather conditions
According to the National Center of Meteorology and Seismology, light showers could be expected in some areas of the country.
- By Rayeesa Absal, Staff Reporter
- Published: 12:02 December 7, 2009
- Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
- Poor visibility on Shaikh Zayed Road in Dubai.
Abu Dhabi: The Interior ministry has warned drivers to beware of changing weather conditions. Officials urged motorists to drive safely in case of foggy or rainy conditions, as the temperatures are falling across the country.
According to the National Center of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS), light showers could be expected in some areas of the country. Over the next two days, the weather is predicted to be partly cloudy to cloudy. Showers and moderate dust storms are also a possibility.
In a statement issued on Monday, officials called to curb speeding and to maintain safe braking distance between vehicles, especially in case of poor visibility.
“Do not increase or reduce speed all of a sudden. Remain calm and patient”, drivers were told.
In case of too little visibility of the roads, drivers must pull off the road on to a safe parking space and wait until the situation improves.
Before embarking on a trip, check weather forecasts in order to be prepared.
Tips for driving in foggy weather
Dos:
- Slow down gradually and drive at a speed that suits the conditions.
- Make sure the full lighting system of your vehicle is turned on.
- Use your low beam headlights. High beams reflect off the moisture droplets in the fog, making it harder to see.
- If you have fog lights on your vehicle, use them, in addition to your low beams. They could save your life.
- Be patient. Avoid passing, changing lanes and crossing traffic.
- Use pavement markings to help guide you. Use the right edge of the road as a guide, rather than the centre line.
- Increase your following distance. You will need extra distance to brake safely.
- Look and listen for any hazards that may be ahead.
- Reduce the distractions in your vehicle. For example, turn off your cell phone.
- Watch for any electronically operated warning signs.
- Keep looking as far ahead as possible.
- Keep your windows and mirrors clean. Use your defroster and wipers to maximize your vision.
- If the fog is too dense to continue, pull completely off the road and try to position your vehicle in a protected area from other traffic. Turn on hazard lights.
Don'ts:
- Don’t drive with your hazard lights continuously on and flashing.
- Don’t stop on the road. You could become the first link in a chain reaction collision.
- Don’t speed up suddenly, even if the fog seems to be clearing. You could find yourself suddenly back in fog.
- Don’t speed up to pass a vehicle moving slowly or to get away from a vehicle that is following too closely.
How do you rate the driving in the UAE under foggy conditions? Do you know the precautions needed when driving under such conditions?
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