6 USEFUL TIPS TO DRIVE DURING A DUST STORMS IN THE UAE
UAE is known for its dust storms, which create dangerous driving conditions like reduced visibility which can create optimal illusions, making driving difficult. However, you can reduce the risk of road accidents and keep yourself safe by considering a few safety measures.
Here are six helpful tips while driving during UAE’s dust storm weather conditions.
CONTROL YOUR SPEED
If you sense that the force of the sandstorm is strengthening then drive slowly, and refrain from stopping instantly as the vehicle behind you won't be able to notice your car at a halt, resulting in a collision.
It is better to slow down and drive at 50 or 60 km/hr. You can reduce your speed to 30 or 40 km/hr if the storm is denser. In such weather, a car often needs heavy braking. If the tires are under or over-inflated, it can affect the vehicle’s stopping power.
Hence, driving at or more than 120km/hr in such weather conditions is not advisable. The slower you go, the safer you would be on the road. Also, consider staying inside the lane as the visibility is poor during a dust storm, avoid overtaking and follow a vehicle in front of you to remain protected while on the road.
KEEP THE EXTERIOR LIGHTS ON
As the UAE’s traffic law mandates, every new car must have rear and front fog lights. Fog lights are helpful while driving on the road with reduced visibility. They are aimed at a very sharp angle as they illuminate what is directly in front of the car. Also, fog lights offer more light than usual in front of you, allowing you to see every tiny thing straight on the road.
If you do have to drive in a dust storm, you can turn on your rear and front fog lights. The rear fog lights will ensure that vehicles behind your car can see your vehicle and the front lights can enhance your visibility in dusty surroundings.
DRIVE ONLY WHEN NEEDED
If there is a storm warning for the day, consider sending a message to your boss and working from home. You can also wait until the storm gets cleared and report late to the office. It is good to prioritize your safety instead of taking the risk of driving on dusty roads. However, ensure that you ask for due permission to do so.
USE DIPPED HEADLIGHTS
Unlike main beam headlights, dipped headlights are angled downwards to illuminate the road. Consider using dipped headlights to increase your chances of being seen by other car drivers. Avoid driving with your main beams as it can be dangerous for approaching vehicles and dazzles other motorists.
STOP AT THE VEHICLE STATION
The weather might have been clear when you left for the journey. But what if you suddenly find yourself caught in a dust storm? No need to worry! If you can see what is going on the road and experience reduced visibility, consider slowing down. You can search for a nearby vehicle station on the internet and stop there until the storm clears.
MAINTAIN SAFE DISTANCE
Every car driver requires time to see what is in front of them, to the side and rear in dusty weather. In such times, keeping your distance becomes even more critical to avoid accidents while driving during such weather conditions. Avoid driving too close to the other vehicle to decrease the chances of car accidents. Heavy vehicles like SUVs need to follow the five-second rule to keep a safe distance. It ensures that your car gets enough space to stop in case of emergency braking.
The easiest way to stay safe while driving in dusty weather is to stay off the road. However, if you need to drive in such situations, consider being extra careful and alert, be respectful of other road users, and strictly follow the traffic rules set by the UAE government. If you are still unsure about how to drive in the UAE’s dusty weather conditions, contact us at Cars24. Our team can assist you with the UAE’s guidelines and traffic rules.
FAQs
What if the visibility is reduced suddenly on the road?
If you find yourself in dusty surroundings and have to stop your car, consider parking it on the side of the road, keeping your hazard lights on, and allowing other passing cars to see you. You can also stop at the nearby vehicle station to wait until the storm clears.
When can I use fog lights?
According to the Highway Code, you can use fog lights when the visibility drops below 100 metres (328 feet) or less.
UAE is known for its dust storms, which create dangerous driving conditions like reduced visibility which can create optimal illusions, making driving difficult. However, you can reduce the risk of road accidents and keep yourself safe by considering a few safety measures.
Here are six helpful tips while driving during UAE’s dust storm weather conditions.
CONTROL YOUR SPEED
If you sense that the force of the sandstorm is strengthening then drive slowly, and refrain from stopping instantly as the vehicle behind you won't be able to notice your car at a halt, resulting in a collision.
It is better to slow down and drive at 50 or 60 km/hr. You can reduce your speed to 30 or 40 km/hr if the storm is denser. In such weather, a car often needs heavy braking. If the tires are under or over-inflated, it can affect the vehicle’s stopping power.
Hence, driving at or more than 120km/hr in such weather conditions is not advisable. The slower you go, the safer you would be on the road. Also, consider staying inside the lane as the visibility is poor during a dust storm, avoid overtaking and follow a vehicle in front of you to remain protected while on the road.
KEEP THE EXTERIOR LIGHTS ON
As the UAE’s traffic law mandates, every new car must have rear and front fog lights. Fog lights are helpful while driving on the road with reduced visibility. They are aimed at a very sharp angle as they illuminate what is directly in front of the car. Also, fog lights offer more light than usual in front of you, allowing you to see every tiny thing straight on the road.
If you do have to drive in a dust storm, you can turn on your rear and front fog lights. The rear fog lights will ensure that vehicles behind your car can see your vehicle and the front lights can enhance your visibility in dusty surroundings.
DRIVE ONLY WHEN NEEDED
If there is a storm warning for the day, consider sending a message to your boss and working from home. You can also wait until the storm gets cleared and report late to the office. It is good to prioritize your safety instead of taking the risk of driving on dusty roads. However, ensure that you ask for due permission to do so.
USE DIPPED HEADLIGHTS
Unlike main beam headlights, dipped headlights are angled downwards to illuminate the road. Consider using dipped headlights to increase your chances of being seen by other car drivers. Avoid driving with your main beams as it can be dangerous for approaching vehicles and dazzles other motorists.
STOP AT THE VEHICLE STATION
The weather might have been clear when you left for the journey. But what if you suddenly find yourself caught in a dust storm? No need to worry! If you can see what is going on the road and experience reduced visibility, consider slowing down. You can search for a nearby vehicle station on the internet and stop there until the storm clears.
MAINTAIN SAFE DISTANCE
Every car driver requires time to see what is in front of them, to the side and rear in dusty weather. In such times, keeping your distance becomes even more critical to avoid accidents while driving during such weather conditions. Avoid driving too close to the other vehicle to decrease the chances of car accidents. Heavy vehicles like SUVs need to follow the five-second rule to keep a safe distance. It ensures that your car gets enough space to stop in case of emergency braking.
The easiest way to stay safe while driving in dusty weather is to stay off the road. However, if you need to drive in such situations, consider being extra careful and alert, be respectful of other road users, and strictly follow the traffic rules set by the UAE government. If you are still unsure about how to drive in the UAE’s dusty weather conditions, contact us at Cars24. Our team can assist you with the UAE’s guidelines and traffic rules.
FAQs
What if the visibility is reduced suddenly on the road?
If you find yourself in dusty surroundings and have to stop your car, consider parking it on the side of the road, keeping your hazard lights on, and allowing other passing cars to see you. You can also stop at the nearby vehicle station to wait until the storm clears.
When can I use fog lights?
According to the Highway Code, you can use fog lights when the visibility drops below 100 metres (328 feet) or less.
