Drivers urged to avoid speeding in bad weather

Brig Gen Ali Al Dhaheri, director general of police operations, has called on drivers to reduce speed in bad weather conditions, use fog lights and keep enough distance between vehicles in case they had to suddenly brake.

Some of the 25 vehicles that were involved in Monday’s crash on Al Ain Road in heavy fog. Courtesy Abu Dhabi Police

ABU DHABI // Motorists have been urged to take extra caution and avoid speeding in bad weather after 25 vehicles were involved in an early-morning crash in dense fog on Monday on the road between Abu Dhabi city and Al Ain.

Brig Gen Ali Al Dhaheri, director general of police operations, called on drivers to reduce speed in bad weather conditions, use fog lights and keep enough distance between vehicles in case they had to suddenly brake.

Dr Britta Lang, a traffic psychologist who heads the Transport Research Laboratory UAE, reminded drivers to use their fog lights rather than hazard lights, which can confuse drivers.

“Fog lights should only be used if visibility is seriously reduced as they can obscure braking lights,” Dr Lang said.

To stay safe in foggy conditions it is important to be able to stop well within the distance you can see clearly, she said. “This is particularly relevant on motorways, where travel speeds are high.

“Tailgating and speeding in foggy conditions increase the risk of being in a crash.”

Thomas Edelmann, founder of Road Safety UAE, said in rain, fog or sandstorms, drivers should use windscreen wipers properly and concentrate.

“They should listen to the radio for traffic updates and stay in their lane, as there is a natural tendency to wander into the middle of the road when visibility gets bad,” he said.

“Drivers can use the right edge of the road as a guide. This can help them to avoid running into oncoming traffic or being blinded by oncoming headlights.”