‘Avoid using hazard lights during fog’

The Abu Dhabi Police have advised motorists not to use hazard lights while driving during foggy weather and requested them to opt to the low-beam headlights, if necessary.

In line with its awareness initiative themed ‘Your Safety’, the Abu Dhabi Police stepped up its efforts to boost up safety of motorists on roads when visibility level comes down because of intense fog or changeable weather.

A radio programme targeting drivers was prepared by the Radio Section of the Ministry of Interior’s Security Media to alert them of the bad weather especially at times of fog. The programme will be broadcast over the Abu Dhabi Holy Quran Radio channel, Emarat FM channel, Star FM, Sharjah Radio channel and Umm Al Quwain FM radio channel.

Major Muhsen Saeed Al Mansoori, Head of the Traffic and Patrols Division of the Al Ain police, warned all road users of the weather conditions, calling upon motorists to abide by the traffic rules and drive carefully and attentively during hazy weather to avoid road accidents. “Accidents happen in foggy conditions mainly when drivers pay no attention on the road and because of not maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead,” Al Mansoori clarified. Al Mansoori advised drivers to steer a vehicle to the side of the road away from traffic in the event of thick fog so as to avert any unpredictable mishaps.

He also urged drivers to slow down the vehicle and stick to the speed limit at internal and peripheral roads. Meanwhile, the Sharjah Police have prepared a plan to reduce the number of accidents during foggy weather.

A large number of patrols have been deployed on highways and the internal roads of the city. The police also urged motorists to drive cautiously during foggy weather when visibility is very low. The police said many accidents, from major to minor, take place on various streets in the emirate and accidents are expected to increase during such weather. A top official at the traffic department said that patrols will be deployed around the clock to ensure smooth traffic.

In the central area of Sharjah, the traffic police have deployed patrols and have banned heavy vehicles and trucks on the internal roads. Fines would be issued for offenders. He urged motorists not put on the hazard signal when the traffic is slow and to maintain sufficient distance between cars. Drivers have been urged to fix glass wipers and check the brakes and tyres. — news@khaleejtimes.com