Driving in foggy conditions may present as the most dangerous of the drives, which in the case of the UAE, we see play out almost literally when the weather turns in an instant and visibility drops off. Upon the onset of fog, we ask that drivers change their game, which includes a set of what we present here as our best and most proven safety tips, which we have put together for the express purpose of getting you through that which is a very risky situation unscathed. We bring to you eight key tips that will help you to drive safely in fog and, in turn, decrease your risk of getting into an accident.
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1. Reduce Speed and Increase Following Distance
In foggy conditions, it is of great importance that you slow down. Reduced visibility, which is a given in such weather, makes it hard to tell how far away things are and to see what is out there, like traffic lights, pedestrians, or other cars. By slowing down, you give yourself more reaction time for when something unexpected happens on the road.
Also, increase your following distance, which in fog can be very hard to predict. A good tip is to double the normal following distance to allow for greater reaction time.
2. Use Your Fog Lights
Fog lights are made to break through the fog and improve road visibility. If your car has fog lights, which it is fitted with, make sure to use them in foggy conditions. Also, these lights are low to the ground, which in turn illuminates the road right in front of you, which in turn reduces glare and makes it easy to see obstacles. Also, do not use high beams in fog, which only reflects off the fog and, in turn,,n reduces your visibility.
3. Stay in Your Lane and Avoid Lane Changes
Foggy conditions may reduce your peripheral vision, causing you to unintentionally drift out of your lane. That is why it is important to stay in your lane and avoid unnecessary lane changes.
Keep a balanced speed and also pay attention to road markings, which will guide you. In the UAE, some highways are tricky at times, in the early morning in particular, when there is more fog, by which time it is best to keep to your lane, which in turn will help prevent accidents.
4. Use Your Windshield Wipers and Defroster
Fog causes moisture to accumulate on the windscreen, which in turn reduces visibility. Check that your wipers are in good working condition and use them to wipe away the condensation. Also, turn on your vehicle’s defroster to stop fog from forming inside the car. A clean windscreen is key to having full visibility in fog.
5. Stay Calm and Avoid Sudden Movements
Fog may be a cause for driver anxiety, but it’s important to stay calm and not panic. Out of the blue, events like sudden acceleration or sharp turns may cause you to lose control. Keep your hands steady at the wheel and your foot gentle on the pedal to maintain control of your vehicle. By staying calm, you’ll be able to make better, more rational decisions as you navigate through tough, foggy conditions.
6. Know the Road and Plan Your Journey
Before going out, check the weather report, which is a good idea to do so regarding the issue of fog. Also, if you can plan your trip to stay away from the areas that are known for thick fog. In the UAE’s coastal and desert areas, which are more prone to foggy conditionssespecially in winter, you may want to be aware of that. By knowing the area’s weather beforehand, you may decide to delay your trip or choose a different, safer route.
7. Avoid Overtaking Other Vehicles
In poor visibility brought by fog, do your best to pass other cars if at all possible. Reduced visibility will cause you to not see oncoming traffic or road hazards. If you have to overtake, which is rare in these foggy conditions, do so with great care and only when you are certain there is enough space between you and other vehicles. Also, at this time, stay in your lane and maintain a large distance from other cars.
8. Pull Over if Visibility Becomes Too Poor
If at some point the fog has decreased your visibility to a few meters ahead of you, the best thing to do is pull over to the side of the road safely. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of your situation, and park your car there, which also does not block traffic. Do not park on bridges, at intersections, or in bends. Once you have pulled over, stay in your vehicle and wait for the fog to clear before you continue. At no time should you attempt to drive through dense foggy conditions that is very low.
FAQs
Q: What is the safe speed to travel in fog in the UAE?
A: In foggy conditions, the best speed is below the normal speed limit. You should reduce your speed to match what you can see and at all times stay well below the posted speed limit, especially on highways.
Q: Can I turn on my high beams in fog?
A: No, on wet foggy days, high beams will actually reduce your visibility by having the light reflect off the fog, which causes glare. For better visibility, you use low beams or fog lights.
Q: When can I get back on the road after pulling over in fog?
A: Until visibility is at a safe level, el stay put. Also, before you hit the road again, make sure it’s clear of other cars. If you are in doubt, wait a bit longer. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Q: Is it safe to drive in the sand dunes of the UAE in foggy conditions?
A: In the desert, when fog sets i, that’s a dangerous time which may see your visibility may drop to almost nothing, and the roads may be very sandy and uneven. At the first sign of fog in the desert, you should slow way down or maybe even put the trip on hold until the fog burns off.
