There has been a lot of fog in the United Arab Emirates lately as the cool waters of the ocean mix with the air from the desert, causing fog to form over the ocean and being blown inland by the sea breeze.
While the fog has brought us spectacular images on social media and amazing morning views, it poses a major hazard to drivers due to reduced visibility, which in turn reduces driver reaction time to stimuli.
Here are some tips for driving in fog in Dubai.
When it comes to the foggy weather in the United Arab Emirates, it is best to stay off the road at all costs. Being on the streets is not only unnecessary, it puts you and others at risk. In the winter season, UAE residents no longer have to deal with scorching sun to rent a new car price in Dubai, however, winter brings unique problems such as fog, it becomes very risky to drive in foggy weather. Keep your windshield clean not only for better vision but also to reduce the risk of fog-related accidents. Finally, stay calm when driving in fog as most accidents on UAE roads are due to panic by inexperienced drivers.
Fog Alert In The Uae
Knowing how to deal with foggy conditions is extremely important, so follow our guide.
1. Turn On Your Fog Lights
This is the icon for the fog lights on your car. Make sure you know where it is
Not all cars are fitted with fog lights, but all new cars for sale in Dubai are fitted with rear fog lights – as required by law. They are required by law in most parts of the world. Turn on your fog lights and leave them on until you’re out of the fog.
Turn them off when out of the fog as they blind other drivers.
The switch is usually located on the turn signal lever or headlight knob. You should check your car’s manual so you know where the fog light switch is located (they are never hidden).
2. Only Drive If You Have To
If you wake up with a thick blanket of fog, it’s best to send your boss a text message (even a picture message) telling them you’ll be late. Any boss who has a problem with that isn’t worth working for. Your safety is paramount, so wait for the fog to clear before setting off.
Before you set off, listen to traffic updates on the radio or check out #UAETraffic and #UAEWather on Twitter.
3. Stop At A Gas Station
If you start driving from home and everything is fine and clear, but encounter fog on the way, slow down and stop at the nearest gas station and wait for the fog to clear. It can take about an hour, so grab a coffee and let your boss know you’ve stopped until it’s safe to continue your journey.
4. Slow Down
Driving at 120 km/h on a road in fog is dangerous and irresponsible. Reduce your speed to no more than 50 km/h and stay in the inside lane. If the fog is very dense, slow down to 40 km/h.
Be Alert At All Times.
5. Use Low Beams
If you drive in fog, you must turn on your headlights. Make sure they are submerged (i.e. normal). Driving with the high beams on (indicated by the blue symbol on your dashboard) is dangerous to oncoming traffic as it dazzles other motorists.
Never drive through fog with your high beams on, and if your car has automatic headlights, make sure they are on and don’t assume they are before checking.
6. Do Not Ride With The Hazard Lights On
There is a lot of confusion when it comes to driving in fog with your hazard lights on. Some people do it to make themselves more visible, which is a good intention but not wise and can cause an accident.
Hazard warning lights are designed to warn other motorists that you are stopping or to warn other motorists of a road hazard.
If a motorist behind you notices that your hazard lights are on, they may panic, thinking that you have stopped (remember, visibility will be poor), and brake sharply. This could cause an accident, especially with the motorist driving behind it, and so on.
7. Turn On Your Heater
When it’s foggy, it’s likely to be chilly, which means condensation can form inside your car. This will reduce your visibility even more. The heater helps keep your windows clean.
8. Listen Carefully
Turn off your radio and open your window a little. Listen carefully to your surroundings outside the car. You may hear another vehicle that you cannot see, or you may hear something or someone telling you to stop. They drive at a reduced speed, so wind noise with the windows down isn’t too much of a problem.
9. Keep Your Distance
Do not get too close to the car in front. If he has to stop sharply, you could collide with him. stay well back
10. Avoid Changing Lanes
Don’t change lanes unless you have to. Stay on the inside (right lane) and don’t rush. Constantly changing lanes is potentially dangerous as it can cause an accident. Remember that drivers behind you may not have seen you.
11. Drive Near Road Markings
Reduced visibility can mean that some drivers are caught off guard in bends and bends in the road, so it is recommended to drive as close as possible to a clearly visible road or lane marking. This allows you to easily follow the road and keep your focus on the traffic around you.
Most Important
The most important thing to remember is that your safety comes first and also test new cars for sale in Dubai while buying. If you find the lack of visibility too confusing and have trouble keeping an eye on the traffic around you, find a safe spot and stop. Wait until visibility improves or you feel more in control before driving again. Take care!
