Fog in UAE: Eight tips to drive safely

Fog in Al Nahda, Sharjah.

Driving during fog is a challenge, even for experienced drivers. Low visibility due to fog, coupled with drivers not leaving enough distance between vehicles, results in road accidents. Here are some handy tips to stay safe on the roads.
Read more: 22 injured in 44-vehicle crash in Abu Dhabi
Know the weather
Before even setting off, make sure that you have an idea of the current weather conditions. If you're on your way to work, give a call to your superiors to notify them that you'll be coming late due to foggy roads.
Stay far from other vehicles
One of the major causes of accidents in a fog are cars being close together. That being said, stay farther from other cars than usual.
Drive SLOW
Don't be in a rush to get out of the fog. If you've done point No. 1 and called in to be late, then take your time through the traffic.
Use your car's safety features
These include: Fog lights, driving lights, windshield wipers, hazard signals and car defroster. Keeping your windshield clean is imperative since fogs are known for blurring out windshields. Hazard signals and fog lights make sure other motorists see you and will know to stay within a safe distance. But do not drive with hazard lights on. Hazard lights must only be used if your car breaks down or you have to stop on the side.
RELATED: Warning lights to prevent road accidents during fog
AVOID wandering off your lane
Even if traffic is better on the other lane, try not to change lanes as you'll never know if there's a vehicle that is coming from behind.
Avoid open areas

This applies to deserts and other areas where buildings are not that tall. Fog tends to get denser at the plains, and the wind is heavier in such areas. Best to avoid such places during fog..
Ask for help
If you have passengers aboard, ask them to help you keep an eye out on things.
Just take public transport
If the fog is intimidating, you can always opt to take public transport such as the bus, the Metro or even the water bus (when speaking of Dubai). The UAE has continuously encouraged residents to take public transport and in situations like fog, it comes as a welcome option.