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

Weather
  • Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
  • Poor visibility on Shaikh Zayed Road in Dubai.
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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

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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?

Comments (4)

  1. Added 14:31 December 8, 2009

    When it comes to driving as far as my driving experience sicne 4 years dubai has the worst drivers ever who just dont adhere to simple loving rules and regulations. similarly the same has to be implemented on the roads but no one cares. inspite of a license there are so many who just dont know the basic of driving . the authoritys have introduced tough rules to for the benefit of the people but still there are many crooks who dont care . they are just a nuisance on the road causing havoc on the road . i would suggest and appreciate if the authoritys can place ads of those rude and aggresive drivers on the road so that they can feel the insult and the pinch. Lastly i thank GN panel for posting such an informative info which we need to be educated from time to time.

    Mathew Litty, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

  2. Added 14:23 December 8, 2009

    very good and informatical artical is given for drivers related todays weather. Every one must read this artical and take advantage of the tips which is given.It is true that too much accident is happening due to over speeding not to controling their balance and not at all maintaing safety distance which is very important. Every one Please save your and others life only if you drive safely. thank you.

    Sana, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

  3. Added 13:34 December 8, 2009

    Excellent article. I just wish more people read this article as today when I was driving back from DXB there were strong winds and people were driving so rashly on the Khalifa highway as there are no radars installed till now.

    Kishore, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

  4. Added 12:59 December 8, 2009

    I suggest your office to help RTA minimise the traffic accidents. Please help RTA in listing down those cars having dark tints in which they are the one abusing other motorists. Because of their dark car tints, they are hidding their faces and even illegal actions. I know the media men are always on the road to record not only the accidents but to avoid accidents by being vigilant. Ordinary people can't help the police for we lack the instruments and authority to do action. Thanks.

    Anonymous, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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