The traffic department at the Ministry of Interior in Abu Dhabi has issued a set of guidelines for drivers when driving in foggy conditions.
The ministry urged motorists to be careful on the roads, especially when the weather is bad.
Do:
- Slow down gradually in foggy conditions and drive at a speed that suits the conditions.
- Make sure your vehicle's lights are 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 distractions in your vehicle. For example, turn off the cell phone . . . your full attention is required for driving.
- Look out 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 an area away from other traffic. Turn on your emergency (hazard) lights.
Don't:
- Don't stop directly 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 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.
- Before you drive, and during your trip, check weather forecasts and road reports. If there is a weather warning or reports of poor visibility and driving conditions, delay your trip until conditions improve, if possible.
