Abu Dhabi Police intensified public awareness for motorists on driving during fog, using state-of-the-art techniques. Moreover, it deployed police and traffic patrols at various locations in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to enhance safety, and instructed the various police entities to carry out their efforts, particularly in emergency situations.
As part of the traffic awareness initiative to provide traffic safety during foggy conditions, the Traffic and Patrols Directorate at Abu Dhabi Police GHQ, called on the motorists and road users to exercise caution during extreme weather changes and low visibility conditions.
Furthermore, the Security Media Department, at the General Secretariat of His Highness Deputy prime Minister and Minister of Interior’s Office launched intensive radio awareness programs produced by the Radio Branch and directed to motorists through local radio stations.
Alia Al Rumaithi, Radio Branch Manager, explained that the radio instructions are broadcasted during fog formation; they aim to communicate directly with road users, and provide them with instructions when driving in such weather conditions. Al Rumaithi also pointed out that these instructions focus on educating motorists on the proper ways of driving in thick fog, by using hazard lights, fog lights, reducing speed, avoid overtaking, maintaining a safe distance between vehicles, and stopping vehicles completely off the road, if needed, due to the density of fog. The Branch also prepared a pre-recorded radio ad that is being aired through the various radio stations on the issue, particularly in the morning and evening periods, when fog mostly form.
She called on motorists to avoid using hazard lights except in emergency case, turn on low beam head lights, be cautious, pay attention to the road, use landmarks for guidance, and refrain from driving recklessly.
The Security Media Department also urged motorists, through social networking sites, namely; Twitter, Facebook and You Tube, to drive carefully during low visibility conditions due to fog prevailing in different areas in Abu Dhabi, especially on the highways.
The Abu Dhabi Police Traffic and Patrols Directorate distributed awareness booklets and brochures, urging motorists to reduce speed; leave a safe distance between vehicles; exercise caution; and refrain from driving recklessly, during foggy and low visibility conditions.
It is noteworthy that the awareness initiative includes implementing an integrated plan to provide traffic safety, by intensifying patrols on internal and external roads, preventing trucks from driving during foggy conditions, to enhance safety of motorists, particularly with low horizontal visibility and extreme weather conditions.