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RTA Distributes Leaflets of Safe Driving in Foggy Conditions	Dated: 11/17/2008
	RTA Distributes Leaflets of Safe Driving in Foggy Conditions
Yahya Khalid: 12 Nov 2008: Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has published a leaflet on methods of safe driving under poor visibility caused by foggy conditions. The step is part of an awareness campaign targeting motorists and road users, aiming to educate drivers on the best practices to avoid risks associated with driving under poor visibility to evade accidents and the loss of lives & property. The leaflet calls motorists when faced with dense fog to slow down gradually as the situation might require. They are advised to use low-beam lights to avoid reflections associated with high-beam lights under foggy conditions that render poor visibility. Motorists are particularly cautioned against speeding & risky driving under such conditions. Should visibility deteriorate further rendering it difficult to drive safely, motorists are advised to park their vehicles off the road to avoid triggering serial traffic accidents with vehicles coming from behind, and switch off hazard lights. Hussain Al-Banna, Director of Traffic Dep’t at RTA Traffic & Roads Agency, summarized the contents of the educative bulletin by saying it contained tips & guidance about methods of safe driving during fog and poor visibility intended to enhance the protection of drivers and road users. It highlighted the importance of complying with safety precautions and the recommended driving methods in keeping with the vision of the RTA to provide safe & smooth transport for all. “There are several precautionary measures to be taken during driving such as close monitoring of speed to allow for a sufficient and safe braking distance under the prevailing visibility condition, and in all cases the speed limits shall not be exceeded. In particular, motorists are required to refrain from overtaking other vehicles or resort to sudden acceleration, even if it seemed that the fog was clear. In accordance with the best global practices it is imperative to keep at least a two seconds interval between vehicles and this can be verified by monitoring the time interval with the vehicle in front. You need to keep a distance such that when the vehicle in front passes a specific point, you have to be able to count: zero, one, two before reaching that specific point; otherwise you need to slow down to extend the distance from the vehicle in front, as illustrated below. "Motorists have to be cautious particularly at late night or in the early morning hours, where conditions are apt for fog formation. This is particularly relevant during the next period as October and November witness the highest levels of fog, and February & March witness moderate levels of fog; which is usually formed in the early morning from 04 am to 08 am. Visibility drops to low levels warranting extra caution, particularly when driving at highways” added Al-Banna. He also highlighted the importance of turning attention to the weather bulletin and checking the condition of the road before setting off the trip. He cautioned against driving during unstable weather conditions marked by thick fog and low visibility to avoid dangerous accidents. It is worth mentioning that last year a horrible accident took place on Dubai–Abu Dhabi Road resulting in death of several people and injuries to hundreds as a result of a mass collision involving around 200 vehicles caused by excessive speed under foggy conditions and sudden braking, triggering such a serial accident.

RTA Distributes Leaflets of Safe Driving in Foggy Conditions

Dated: 11/17/2008

RTA Distributes Leaflets of Safe Driving in Foggy Conditions

Yahya Khalid: 12 Nov 2008:

Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has published a leaflet on methods of safe driving under poor visibility caused by foggy conditions. The step is part of an awareness campaign targeting motorists and road users, aiming to educate drivers on the best practices to avoid risks associated with driving under poor visibility to evade accidents and the loss of lives & property.

The leaflet calls motorists when faced with dense fog to slow down gradually as the situation might require. They are advised to use low-beam lights to avoid reflections associated with high-beam lights under foggy conditions that render poor visibility. Motorists are particularly cautioned against speeding & risky driving under such conditions. Should visibility deteriorate further rendering it difficult to drive safely, motorists are advised to park their vehicles off the road to avoid triggering serial traffic accidents with vehicles coming from behind, and switch off hazard lights.

Hussain Al-Banna, Director of Traffic Dep’t at RTA Traffic & Roads Agency, summarized the contents of the educative bulletin by saying it contained tips & guidance about methods of safe driving during fog and poor visibility intended to enhance the protection of drivers and road users. It highlighted the importance of complying with safety precautions and the recommended driving methods in keeping with the vision of the RTA to provide safe & smooth transport for all.

“There are several precautionary measures to be taken during driving such as close monitoring of speed to allow for a sufficient and safe braking distance under the prevailing visibility condition, and in all cases the speed limits shall not be exceeded. In particular, motorists are required to refrain from overtaking other vehicles or resort to sudden acceleration, even if it seemed that the fog was clear.

In accordance with the best global practices it is imperative to keep at least a two seconds interval between vehicles and this can be verified by monitoring the time interval with the vehicle in front. You need to keep a distance such that when the vehicle in front passes a specific point, you have to be able to count: zero, one, two before reaching that specific point; otherwise you need to slow down to extend the distance from the vehicle in front, as illustrated below. "Motorists have to be cautious particularly at late night or in the early morning hours, where conditions are apt for fog formation. This is particularly relevant during the next period as October and November witness the highest levels of fog, and February & March witness moderate levels of fog; which is usually formed in the early morning from 04 am to 08 am. Visibility drops to low levels warranting extra caution, particularly when driving at highways” added Al-Banna. He also highlighted the importance of turning attention to the weather bulletin and checking the condition of the road before setting off the trip. He cautioned against driving during unstable weather conditions marked by thick fog and low visibility to avoid dangerous accidents. It is worth mentioning that last year a horrible accident took place on Dubai–Abu Dhabi Road resulting in death of several people and injuries to hundreds as a result of a mass collision involving around 200 vehicles caused by excessive speed under foggy conditions and sudden braking, triggering such a serial accident.