Abu Dhabi bans trucks during fog and peak hours

The Traffic and Patrols Directorate at Abu Dhabi Police has forbidden trucks and large vehicles to drive on internal and external roads during fog, saying they can only continue their trips after clear visibility returns.

Trucks and large vehicles are also not allowed to enter Abu Dhabi City during peak traffic hours. The directorate warned drivers that if these rules are violated, punishments will be considerable. This step aims to promote traffic safety during foggy weather conditions and reduce the number of traffic accidents.

Lt. Colonel Jamal Salem Al Ameri, Chief of Public Relations Section in the Traffic and Patrols Directorate of Abu Dhabi Police, called upon company owners and truck drivers to adhere to traffic laws and regulations. He said that trucks weighing 2.5 tons or more are not allowed to enter Abu Dhabi City during foggy weather conditions and peak traffic hours, which were identified as the hours between 7:30 am and 9:30 am and from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm.

As a part of the "Safety During Fog" initiative, which is organised by the directorate in cooperation with the Security Media Department at the General Secretariat of the Office of H.H the Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Interior, Al Ameri urged all drivers, especially truck drivers, to reduce speed, maintain sufficient distances between vehicles, and to refrain from overtaking in general and avoid the use of emergency hazard warning lights.

Al Ameri said, "We have a comprehensive emergency plan as we raise awareness via direct broadcast and social media (Facebook, Twitter and YouTube) in cases of foggy weather and severe traffic accidents. We warn drivers and urge them to maintain sufficient distance between cars and avoid overtaking lanes or any other mistakes, like using emergency flashers during fog, which lead to traffic accidents."

He advised drivers to stop their vehicles on the side of the roads in case of low visibility and turn off their hazard warning lights, while taking all cautionary measures to maintain their safety while driving in foggy conditions. "Motorists are advised to follow all measures required during foggy conditions: slow down gradually, drive carefully at a speed that suits the surrounding conditions, use low lights, avoid emergency flashers while driving in fog and increase the distance between vehicles."

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