Dense fog causes 12 traffic accidents in UAQ

Ras Al Khaimah - Motorists are advised to drive with caution when driving in conditions of fog and low visibility.

The dense fog overwhelming most parts of the country has led to 12 traffic accidents here in the emirate of Umm Al Quwain.
Lt-Col Saeed Obaid Bin Aran, Director of Traffic and Patrols Department of the UAQ Police Directorate General, said the foggy weather blanketed all the internal and highways of the emirate.
"This has lowered the horizontal visibility to less than 100 meters, mainly in the early hours of the day, obstructing smooth driving and leading to several traffic accidents."
Caution urged: Fog, poor visibilty hit UAE traffic   

Though 12 accidents were recorded on the roads of the emirate, no one has been reportedly received serious injuries, he stated.
"Few passengers were slightly injured and given first aids on the spot with no need to be shifted to the hospital for treatment or medical care."
Lt-Col Bin Aran then urged all drivers to be cautious on the roads during the fog, keep safety space as due, remain in lane, avoid poor takeover, and turn on the lights. "Reducing speed is also advisable."
Warning, he said some drivers turn on the hazard lights for no reason and that obstructs the traffic flow. "Hazard lights may only be used in emergency situations, especially traffic accidents."
In case of minor traffic accidents, drivers are advised to move aside and wait for a police patrol, or drive to the nearest police station, Lt-Col Bin Aran underlined. "This will help recover traffic flow, curb traffic congestion, and avoid pile-up accidents."
The UAQ Traffic Police have recently launched an intensive campaign to monitor traffic flow to curb reckless driving, he disclosed "More traffic patrols are deployed on the roads of the emirate to ensure road users' safety."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• Umm Al Quwain