Dense fog can increase commuting challenges for motorists during the winter season. The reduced visibility in peak hours and heavy traffic on roads can make life difficult for motorists, especially for young drivers. Several major and minor accidents have been recorded in Dubai and other emirates of the UAE during the ongoing winter season. Most of these accidents have been caused by driving mistakes committed by motorists while driving in dense fog.
Driving in dense fog is unarguably difficult, however, some important safety protocols can be followed to avoid dangerous road accidents. From driving at a relatively lower speed to keeping a safe distance between vehicles, motorists must follow some important tips while driving on the UAE roads in dense fog.
In a recently released report, Sharjah Police revealed that not leaving a safe distance between vehicles caused 60% of the minor road accidents during the last four months of 2020. This is the period when dense fog starts to prevail and gradually grows in the UAE. It is essential for motorists to be careful as dangerous driving mistakes during dense fog can prove to have fatal consequences.
Discussed below are the ways motorists can avoid dangerous road accidents while driving in dense fog.
Maintain a Safe Distance from Other Vehicles
Maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles gives motorists the best chance to avoid dangerous road accidents in dense fog. By leaving a significant distance, you will allow yourself ample time and opportunity to keep an eye on other vehicles, which can be of great importance in event of an emergency.
It is essential to consider the fact that other drivers can also commit driving mistakes in dense fog. By leaving a safe distance between vehicles, one can prevent dangerous road situations induced by other drivers. The importance of leaving a safe distance increases when driving on highways near the Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCVs).
Do not Drive Fast
Speeding is one of the major reasons behind fatal road accidents recorded in dense fog. Therefore, it is essential for motorists to drive slowly when visibility decreases below 200 metres. In Abu Dhabi, traffic authorities reduce the maximum speed limit on roads whenever the visibility decreases below 200 metres. It is essential for motorists to abide by the reduced speed limits to avoid dangerous road accidents in dense fog.
Turn on Your Fog Lights
Front fog lights are not present in all cars, however, rear fog lights are available in most cars as this is a legal requirement in the UAE. Most new-generation cars also feature the front fog light as a standard and motorists must turn the fog lights on whenever they are driving in low visibility conditions. While it is essential to use fog lights while driving in dense fog, the use of high beam should be strictly avoided by motorists.
Pull Over at a Service Station
In the first place, motorists should avoid driving whenever visibility reduces significantly. However, if driving in the dense fog cannot be avoided, it is essential to pull over at a nearby service station whenever the visibility decreases significantly. One must wait for a few minutes till the visibility improves again as it can help reduce the risk of facing a dangerous road situation in dense fog.
Maintain Lane Discipline
Motorists often forget to ensure safety fundamentals that can have a massive impact on how safely they can maneuver their vehicles during low visibility conditions. Lane discipline is a basic road safety principle that should not be ignored, regardless of the weather or visibility conditions. The importance of lane discipline increases significantly when driving in the dense fog. By avoiding sudden lane changes and jumping to other lanes without using indicators, motorists can easily prevent dangerous road accidents.
Bottom-line
Dangerous road accidents can be avoided by complying with fundamental road safety protocols. The aforementioned tips can help motorists drive safely in low visibility conditions, which can make driving extremely difficult.
Auto manufacturers have also recognized the need for having technologies that can help drivers while driving in dense fog. Modern-day cars come equipped with advanced features and technologies that can actively or passively help drivers when driving in fog.
Motorists must maintain attention while driving as it is the most essential road safety protocol that can help avoid serious road situations. The safety technologies in new cars have been designed to assist drivers but they do not substitute a driver’s attention while driving. These technologies can help avoid reckless driving mistakes that can result in dangerous road accidents.
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