Police advise residents to drive carefully in fog

Our Correspondent

On the second and alternate day of fog this week, January 19, Dubai Police has urged drivers to reduce speed and not to use hazard lights except on emergency.
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In Abu Dhabi, the police warned of heavy traffic after the Truck Road Bridge near Al Mafraq.

Huge tailbacks were seen on the Sharjah-Dubai roads in the peak morning hours.

On January 17, the various emirates experienced a monster fog that did not clear until 8 am. As many as 26 minor accidents were reported on that day.

Brigadier Saif Muhair Al Mazroui, Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, had urged motorists to keep a safe distance between cars and adjust their speed to the weather conditions.

“Allow extra time for your journey and check your planned route. It’s also advisable to wait for the fog to clear and visibility improves,” Brig. Al Mazroui said, noting that accidents happen in low visibility conditions tend to be more severe. He also urged motorists to use low-beam lights and indicate clearly when changing lanes.

Brig. Al Mazroui further noted that the traffic patrols will intensify their presence on the outer roads to alert drivers to reduce speeds and to prevent vehicles from parking dangerously on the shoulders of the road. He added that the patrols will also divert heavy vehicles traffic to its designated lay-bys during foggy weather to prevent traffic accidents.

The Abu Dhabi Police (ADP) also urged motorists to follow safe driving practices, such as monitoring weather forecasts, leaving safe distances between cars, using windshield wipers, using adequate lights in low visibility and ensuring that vehicles are in good running condition, especially the brakes and tyres.

Motorists are also required to adhere to a maximum speed of 80 km per hour during fog. Speed limits on the electronic road signs change according to weather conditions.

Fog is a sign of change in weather, this time the onset of summer temperatures. Foggy weather also sees a rise in flu cases according to doctors.