Dubai: Lack of common sense and a general disregard of changing weather conditions lead to a spate in accidents during wet and foggy conditions in the UAE, say experts
More than 750 accidents were reported in Dubai alone with dozens more in other emirates, leading to the deaths of three, over the last two days.
Every time there is rain or fog in the country, there are accidents in the hundreds. Every winter the same stories of vehicle pile-ups, overturning and skidding are repeated. With the advent of winter, authorities issue advisories on driving behaviour, yet there is no change.
What could be the possible causes behind so many accidents? Are the drivers not trained to drive under different conditions? Are there any particular steps that drivers need to take during wet weather in order to be safe?
Experts suggest a combination of reasons that lead to accidents, including careless driving, no consideration for changing weather, lack of knowledge and experience in driving in wet and foggy conditions, and ignorance of traffic rules and weather advisories.
According to experts rain and fog are major hazards and are dangerous for driving and should be treated with caution.
“In most cases it’s a complete lack of common sense that leads to accidents. You don’t need any formal training in order to understand that the roads are slippery in wet weather. One has to drive taking into consideration the weather conditions, you can’t just keep on driving the same way you do during normal conditions,” said Robert Hodges, Chief Operating Officer at Emirates Driving Institute.
He added: “Since most of the year in the UAE is dry, when it rains the roads tend to get dangerously slippery as residues of fuel, tyre dust and petrochemical waste mix with water on the surface and the surface becomes a perfect ski-pad, and when there is abrupt braking the tyres skid or the brakes don’t work, causing accidents.”
That is the reason, he said, it is highly imperative to slow down and keep double the distance between vehicles.
Apart from driving behaviour, ensuring vehicle readiness is also key to safety on roads.
He advised that before setting off, it is necessary for drivers to make sure visibility is good.
“It is highly important that as winter approaches, drivers need to make sure their vehicles are ready for the wet weather. Wipers need to be checked so that they work when they are required. Also make sure the heaters are working so that windscreen and windows can demist,” added Hodges.
He suggested turning the air vents to ‘external air’ and direct the air to windscreen and side windows so visibility is clear, which he said is the first step towards ensuring safety.
Another important step towards safety, according to Hodges, is to see and be seen.
“Drivers should send the right signals and make sure they communicate well with others on road. The first thing is to switch on the right lights. Hazard lights shouldn’t be turned on during rain as they blind others. Sidelights and low beam lights should be used. This will enable you to see better and make sure others see you as well,” said Hodges.
He said the same precautions should be applied during fog as well.
Brigadier Omar Al Shamsi, Deputy Director of Dubai Police’s Operations Department, also said that the attitude of motorists is the primary cause of accidents, because whether it rains or shines they just don’t stop speeding.
“Motorists do not take into consideration that the rain causes the streets to be more slippery, and even the car brakes do not respond the way they normally do because they are wet, and so they get into accidents. People should not speed, because if an emergency arises and they need to stop the vehicle, they will need more distance and time than usual for the vehicle to stop,” said Brig Al Shamsi.
He added that some drivers do not try to avoid puddles and intentionally run through them, which he said is also dangerous and can cause accidents.
“In general, the main issue is that people do not follow the traffic rules. Rain is a blessing, and people should follow the rules to avoid turning something good into something bad,” he added.
A Ministry of Interior advisory also blamed reckless driving for accidents, particularly during wet and misty weather.
“The reason traffic accidents occur during turbulent weather such as fog or heavy rain, is because of drivers’ failure to adhere to road rules,” a Ministry of Interior statement said.
With inputs from Nada Al Taher and Noorhan Barakat
