Dubai - WAM
The Traffic and Patrols Directorate at Abu Dhabi Police has called upon motorists to reduce their speeds and to exercise caution while driving in conditions of fog or low visibility. The Directorate also recommends that motorists stay up-to-date with the weather forecasts by following the news bulletins, as low visibility conditions occur throughout the year.
Colonel Jamal Salem Al Ameri, Chief of the Public Relations Section at the Abu Dhabi Traffic and Patrols Directorate, advised motorists to double the normal safety distance between vehicles in order to avoid accidents. He also warned motorists against "attempting to overtake other vehicles or changing lanes in cases of low visibility."
Additionally, the Chief of Public Relations Section urged motorists to park their cars on the right shoulder off of the road in cases of dense fog and low visibility. Once parked, cars should then use their hazard lights to ensure their safety. Al Ameri also directed that motorists should drive cautiously and carefully, to be patient and to not overtake other vehicles or change lanes. He warned against using their vehicle's high beam lights, as the intensity of the light reflects off of the fog and further obstructs visibility. He also emphasised that drivers should not use their hazard lights while driving.
Al Ameri pointed out that the Directorate has implemented many precautionary measures during foggy and low visibility conditions in order to prevent any hindrances to the flow of traffic.
He noted that trucks and heavy vehicles would be stopped and parked off of the roads until the fog clears, while also noting that "the Directorate implements an emergency plan in coordination with the Civil Defense and ambulance and rescue departments during foggy conditions. The plan includes onsite traffic control to assist in the flow of traffic; and in the event of an accident, the teams will efficiently transfer the injured, clear the road of damaged vehicles, and guide traffic towards other available routes.