Shocking number of UAE drivers not aware about fog lights; are you?

Early morning fog is back in the UAE as the weather now starts getting a bit cooler.

To most of us, this is a pleasant change but drivers, especially those who hit the roads before sun dawn, need to be extra vigilant in such conditions to avoid accidents.

A majority of the drivers in the country use their fog lights judiciously for better visibility but what is worrying is some who drive are not even aware where these lights are in the car or how to switch them on.

Worse is when drivers are not even aware of something called fog lights in their vehicle.

According to an Emirates 24|7 poll, a shocking number of drivers (8 per cent) who participated in the online poll don't know what [or where] fog lights are.

This is admittedly a small number but can be worrying as fog causes many accidents in the country.

According to reports, on the 5th of this month (a day when thick fog was recorded), more than 80 accidents took place on Dubai roads during the hazy weather between 4am to 8am.

Dubai Police recorded 88 traffic accidents that varied in intensity, and received 859 calls to the operations room during the same period.

Considering such statistics, it is very important that all those who drive on the roads should be aware of the importance of fog lights and how and when to switch them on.

Another 10 per cent of the drivers are aware of such lights but are reluctant to use it and depend on their perfect eyesight to see through fog.

Another 19 per cent of the respondents use hazard indicators over fog lights on days when visibility is not very clear.

However, the majority of the drivers in the country are responsible, highlights the poll, and use fog lights as and when necessary.

A big number (52 per cent) of the participants drive with their fog lights on and another 11 per cent have cars that have automatic fog lights, reducing the risk of error in judgement.
 

Tips on driving safe on foggy days

·        Increase the distance from the 3 seconds in good weather to a minimum of 5 seconds – you must be able to stop within the distance of visibility!

·        Turn on the lights: low beam head lights, front and rear fog lights (no hazard lights!)

·        Consider longer breaking distances due to wet or slippery road surface

·        Use your windscreen wipers properly (and maintain them properly!)

·        Concentrate and do not get distracted by your passengers, your phone or other things

·        Listen to the radio for traffic updates; check Emirates 24|7 for latest traffic update before leaving house

·        Care for others, especially for weaker traffic participants like motor cycle drivers, bicycle riders and pedestrians

·        Ask your passengers to help keep an eye out for oncoming cars and obstacles on the road

·        Stay in your lane and don’t drift – there’s a natural tendency to wander into the middle of the road when visibility gets bad.

·        Use the right edge of the road as a guide – this can help you avoid running into oncoming traffic or being blinded by oncoming headlights.

·        If you have no visibility, pull over to the side of the road and turning on your hazard lights alert other drivers of where you are, or pull into petrol stations or rest areas.

·        Plan your trip properly and leave earlier or try not to be on the road at all, if possible.

Tips provided by www.roadsafetyuae.com
 

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