- City Fajr Shuruq Duhr Asr Magrib Isha
- Dubai 04:26 05:44 12:20 15:47 18:50 20:08
Motorists asked to be more cautious and attentive on the roads during the next few days and weeks (Image contributed by Emirates 24|7 Reader Humaira Khan)
Residents looking to make the most of the dip in the Mercury, reaching below 5° Celisus earlier this week, are being warned to take caution in the days ahead with foggy road conditions reducing visibility.
The National Center for Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) has warned of difficult driving conditions as the mist descends over the interior parts of the country, especially parts of the Dubai-Abu Dhabi highway, the Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Road and the Liwa region, all of which are popular camping and off-roading spots for enthusiasts this season.
While rain has been ruled out over the weekend by the NCMS, the weeks ahead could see extensive cloud cover due to the north-easterly winds.
Due to the change in weather, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has also called upon motorists to be more cautious and attentive during the next days and weeks, when the potential of road traffic accidents increases due to wet or soaked roads.
Rainy and foggy weather conditions are likely to cause traffic accidents, and more attention and caution needs to be exercised as driving at excessive speeds during winter results in surprises which cannot be avoided by the driver at the required time and speed due to the poor control of the vehicle, explained Maitha bin Udai, CEO of Traffic and Road Agency at the RTA.
She said: “It is very crucial for the driver during rainy weather to leave an extra safety distance from the vehicle in front and to be prepared for any sudden crash.
“The driver has to avoid being occupied by any other affairs or distractors, such as the mobile phone, and the vehicle’s windows glass and mirrors have to be clean.
“The driver has to drive at a reasonable speed not exceeding the prescribed speed of the road. Needless to say, wet or soaked roads contribute to vehicles skidding when the brake is suddenly applied.”
Udai called on motorists to inspect their vehicles and have them properly maintained, especially lighting bulbs, wipers, tyres and brakes as these elements can increase the driver’s visibility and control of the vehicle during rainy spells.
Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.