Duabi - Follow these tips and tricks to stay safe while driving on UAE roads during fog
Published: Thu 28 Sep 2017, 8:07 AM
Last updated: Thu 28 Sep 2017, 12:04 PM
Low visibility due to dense fog on Thursday morning caused multiple accidents and heavy delays on the roads in several parts of the UAE.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) urged motorists to drive cautiously and advised that they should stop driving as soon as they find the conditions too difficult to maneuver in.
"During foggy weather, slow down gradually and drive at a speed that suits the condition," it tweeted.
The National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology NCMS, issued a weather warning about fog and poor visibility over some central and western areas. Motorists are advised to drive with extra caution.
According to TrafficDXB on Twitter, multiple accidents were reported on Sheikh Zayed Road towards Dubai, causing congestion and tailback.
According to Google Maps data, slow-moving traffic was observed on Sheikh Zayed Road's E11 - from Al Wahda street towards Dubai.
An accident has been reported on Al Qusais Industrial Area 4 towards Dubai, according to Google Map data.
Another accident has been reported near Wafi Mall towards Dubai, causing delays towards Dubai.
And road safety expert Thomas Edelmann, managing director RoadSafetyUAE gave some handy tips for dealing with driving in these conditions.
"Driving in bad weather in the UAE is often linked to fog, rain or sand storms with low visibility and slippery road surfaces being the common denominators. Every year, we suffer pile-ups which are typically chain reactions: One accident occurs, sometimes just a small fender bender, and following motorists cannot avoid colliding with obstacles in front of them, due to the lack of proper distance, lack of attention or high speeds. Motorists need to be extra alert, keep the proper distance to the vehicle in front and adjust their speed accordingly," he said.
Follow these tips and tricks to stay safe while driving on UAE roads during fog
> Visibility down = Slow down = Attention up = Distance up
> Increase the distance to the vehicle in front to five seconds - you must be able to stop within the distance of visibility!
> Turn on the lights: Low beam head lights, front and rear fog lights (no hazard lights!)
> Consider longer breaking distances due to wet or slippery roads
> Use your windscreen wipers (and maintain them properly!)
> Concentrate and do not get dis-tracted by your passengers, your phone or other things
> Listen to the radio for traffic updates
> Care for others, especially for weaker traffic participants like motorcycle drivers, bicycle riders and pedestrians
> Ask your passengers to help keep an eye out for oncoming cars and obstacles on the road
> Stay in your lane and don't drift - there's a natural tendency to wander into the middle of the road when visibility gets bad.
> Use right edge of the road as a guide - this can help you avoid running into oncoming traffic or being blinded by oncoming headlights.
> If you have no visibility, pull over to the side of the road, stop and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of where you are, or pull into petrol stations or rest areas.
> Plan your trip properly and leave earlier or try not to be on the road at all, if possible. reporters@khaleejtimes.com
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