The Abu Dhabi Police advised drivers to be extra cautious while driving today (Thursday) through local broadcasts; urging them to commit to traffic rules and regulations due to the current changes in weather conditions.
The Traffic and Patrols Department urged motorists to be extra cautious especially on internal roads and highways where sands accumulate; especially the roads linking Abu Dhabi to Al Silah, Dubai and Al Ain, due to dust and sands caused by wind.
Lt. Colonel Jamal Salim Al Ameri, Head of the Public Relations Department at the Traffic and Patrol Directorate encouraged drivers to commit to speed limits on highways, especially in desert areas, where there are no barriers, buildings or trees that can absorb part of the wind’s strength. In these desert areas, sand will accumulate and motorists have no chances of avoiding it.
He explained that sand accumulation on the roads is one of the main reasons behind accidents, and this requires the driver to be vigilant and cautious, to commit to traffic rules and regulations; and take the required precautions during such dusty conditions.
He pointed out the importance of adhering to speed limits, adding that: “Danger increases when there are strong winds; and in case a small vehicle passes by a big truck, the air pressure will be so light that the small vehicle may flip after the truck passes as the air pressure coming from the truck is stronger, and may cause the accident.”
First Lieutenant Hamdan Al Dire, Head of the Radio Branch at the Security Media Department said: “The Directorate issued today Thursday, warning messages to motorists through the following media: Quran Kareem, Emirates FM, and Star FM urging motorists to be extra cautious and drive their cars safely, due to the changes in weather conditions currently witnessed by the country.”
Al Dire urged drivers to take the required precautions in weather changes especially in the case of sandy winds and low visibility on roads.
He pointed out that these broadcast messages focused on urging motorists to limit speed on all internal roads and on highways; not to use hazard lights in the vehicle unless they come to a complete stop, and to switch on the normal head lights.
The broadcast messages called on motorists to stop their cars on the sides of the roads in case of zero visibility to ensure everybody’s safety. In case the bad weather continues, it is preferable to postpone the trip to another day.