Abu Dhabi mulls early warning on fog

Abu Dhabi Police is considering a new early-warning system to warn drivers of fog-related accidents by fitting streets with incandescent warning lights to prevent chain-reaction traffic collisions.

Using an advanced traffic signage system that warns motorists against accidents that may not be visible due to fog density, the technology will serve as a pre-emptive measure for drivers to take caution at least three kilometres ahead of the accident site.

Lt Colonel Nasser Al Maskari, Head of the Operations Department, Abu Dhabi Police said the innovation doesn’t prevent traffic accidents but contributes to timely prevention of a chain reaction during foggy conditions, which would reduce hazardous accidents resulting from poor road visibility and save lives.

He said: “The aim of such a proposal is to provide an optimal warning for drivers within seconds of a traffic accident, a few kilometres ahead of them on external roads, to avoid eventual surprises in foggy weather.”

Osama Ahmed Ismail, who created the system, further explained the proposal, saying: “The incandescent red light will be connected to a wireless electronic device controller installed at three kilometre intervals by the roadside.

“Particularly designed to penetrate the fog, drivers can see this warning light ahead of potential traffic accidents.”

He added: “The Operations Room officer controls the incandescent street light from a safe area ahead of the traffic accident’s location, 20 seconds after receiving notification on the 999 number.

“The officer identifies the geographic coordinates of the accident’s site and turns on the electronic street lights close by.”

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