How to Stay Safe When Driving in the UAE’s Foggy Conditions
Fog is certainly one of the worst weather conditions for driving. It might heavily impact visibility, which threatens the safety of drivers and their passengers. Dense fog makes it hard to see other vehicles, pedestrians, road signs, and judge distance. The inability to drive properly can affect multiple vehicles and lead to pile-up car accidents.
In the winter months, fog is a common phenomenon in the UAE. Over 90 percent of it is radiation fog that appears in the early hours when heat absorbed by the ground radiates into the air and causes water droplets to form. Another common type is advection fog. It occurs when moist air moves over a cool surface and creates water vapor. They are both dangerous for driving.
To reduce the risk of an accident, you need to follow safety rules and have a vehicle that handles well on the road. If you’re in search of reliable rental service in Dubai, visit this website. Here are some tips to help you drive safely.
Things to do before driving
- Check your fog lamps and windshield wipers.
- Clean your windshield if needed to ensure better visibility.
- If you have an air-conditioning system, use it to make the air drier. Also, you may turn on your heater at the same time. It will help absorb moisture collecting on your windows.
- Have a strong grasp of your vehicle’s settings, especially if it’s a rental.
- Check weather reports. In case of low visibility, wait until it improves, if possible.
Tips for safe driving
1. Drive slowly
Driving in foggy conditions differs a lot from driving in normal visibility. It’s recommended to keep your speed limit within 50 km/h. If there is dense fog, reduce your speed to 40 km/h. This is especially important on dual carriageways or motorways. Driving slowly will give you more time to react to an obstacle ahead.
2. Keep a safe distance
If you’re driving on a fast and busy road, increase the distance between your car and other vehicles. It’s better to keep a four-second gap. This might help avoid colliding with other cars if they have to suddenly stop.
3. Turn your fog lights on
Some cars don’t have front fog lights, but all cars should be fitted with rear fog lights. Turn the lights on if it’s foggy and turn them off when it dissipates to avoid dazzling other road users. If you don’t have front fog lights, use your car’s headlights, but keep them dipped.
4. Don’t change lanes
It’s recommended to not overtake any vehicles and stay in your lane, if possible. Be calm and patient. Keep in mind that when it’s foggy, you might not see other drivers changing lanes.
5. Don’t use your emergency flashers
Some drivers turn their emergency flashers on to be more visible on the road. However, studies show that it might lead to accidents. Emergency flashers are designed to warn other drivers you’re in an emergency situation. When they see you, they may slam on the brakes, which can result in a crash.
6. Minimize distractions
Driving in dangerous conditions requires your full attention. Turn off your car radio, so you can hear other vehicles passing by. Don’t use your smartphone or other devices, if possible.
7. Watch out for animals
Watch out for camels and donkeys, especially on such remote roads as Dubai Bypass Road or E611 leading to Ras Al Khaimah. If you need to rent a car suitable for the UAE roads, consider these vehicles https://paddockrentacar.com/cars/car-type-suv/.
8. Be prepared for slippery conditions
If it’s slippery on the road, don’t slam on the brakes, or you might lose control of your vehicle.
9. Pull over if you can’t see anything
If you’re unable to see anything on the road, it’s better to pull over and wait until the situation improves. Use your turn signal earlier than usual to leave the road. In this case, you may turn on your emergency flashers, so that others know you’re not driving.
