How to drive safely in UAE fog: Tips for motorists in reduced visibility

Heavy fog led to dangerous driving conditions on Tuesday morning — and motorists can expect more this week.

As late summer gives way to autumn, early morning fog is common in the Emirates.

And although it tends to quickly dissipate in the cities, the low-lying E11 road connecting Abu Dhabi to Dubai is often the worst affected.

Here we take a quick look at how to cope with driving in fog.

It might sound obvious but the need to keep a safe distance from vehicles in front of you is even more paramount in treacherous weather.

A video shared by Abu Dhabi police on Monday evening urged motorists to “increase your speed gradually and double the distance between you and other vehicles”.

“With hazard lights on, anybody behind has no clue what you’re doing — they don’t know if you’re turning left, turning right or slowing down,” Ian Cox, a senior drive trainer for Dubai-based automotive company Drive Dynamics, previously told The National.

Driving with hazard lights on in foggy weather is not only dangerous, it can also cost you, as it is punishable by a fine of Dh500 and four black points.

“The main thing is speed and lane discipline. Only drive to the speed that you can see in front. Wherever you lose visibility, imagine that you have to stop in that time, because you could come across a group of cars that are stopped — even if you’re down to 20 kph or 30 kph,” said Mr Cox.

“If you really get to the point where you cannot see, stop. But if you stop, find somewhere where you’re protected — off the carriageway, behind a barrier if you can, so at least you’ve got some protection.

“If it’s really foggy, only make a journey if you really have to.”

“Fog lights: if you’ve got them, use them, but remember that if you can clearly see the