Speed limits to reduce on UAE roads during bad weather

The move is in line with the plan to implement practices to ensure traffic safety.

The Traffic Safety Committee has announced the implementation of a smart intelligent system that will automatically reduce the speed limit on Abu Dhabi roads and highways during adverse weather or foggy conditions.
According to traffic authorities, in the event of poor visibility (when visibility has dropped to less than 200 meters), the speed limit on the roads will be reduced to 80km/hour.
The move is in line with the committee's plan to implement practices to ensure traffic safety during bad weather conditions.
"The modified speeds on the roads are determined according to the traffic safety during adverse weather," said the Department of Transport-Abu Dhabi (DoT).
"The modified speeds are identified on the smart towers installed on Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street (Abu Dhabi - Dubai) and Sheikh Khalifa Street (Al Saadiyat). All vehicles should follow the announced speed limits until the visibility is clear and return to the regular speed limit signs."
As for roads without smart towers, a fixed speed sign with a traffic light will be installed to notify the drivers to reduce the vehicles' speed to 80km/hour. Radar control limits will be adjusted accordingly, authorities said.
The Committee has emphasized on the importance of benefiting of futuristic solutions and utilizing developed systems and programs to notify the drivers of changes on roads and sending out safe driving tips. This is to ensure the safety of the public at all times.
"In addition, it is important to utilise the National Early Warning System to send out messages and notifications to warn the drivers and residents of alternative areas and advise them on what to do to keep themelves safe during adverse weather," the DoT said in a statement to announce the implementation of the traffic safety committee's intelligence system.
"The low visibility will be monitored using different channels like National Center of Meteorology, visibility sensors on the smart towers and traffic patrols on these roads. A geographic frame will be identified according to the data and will include adjacent areas too."
The Committee advised all drivers to comply with the directions shown on the smart towers, follow the identified speed limits and stop their vehicles in case of the lack of vision.
Drivers have been told to increase the safe distance between their vehicles and the one in front of them to avoid accidents and to never overtake/change lanes during low visibility conditions.
Traffic authorities in Abu Dhabi have over the past years reported many accidents that resulted from the low visibility because of fog and had caused the death of people as well as serious injuries.
Most of the accidents in the foggy weather were attributed to tailgating and speeding.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi