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The National Meteorological Center reported that there were heavy rain, thunderstorms, and hail in many parts of the country, and it is expected to continue tomorrow
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Motorists across the UAE reported being stuck in traffic jams as heavy rains battered all seven emirates on Wednesday. Police forces across the country are urging drivers to be extra vigilant on the road.
A road safety expert explains why traffic jams can get worse when it rains. “When it starts to rain, it mixes with dust, grease and sand and makes the roads very slippery. Drivers have to be very careful and drive slowly,” said Thomas Edelman, general manager of Emirates Road Safety.
The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) reported heavy rain, thunderstorms and hail in several parts of the country. Unstable weather conditions are also expected to continue tomorrow.
visibility factor
According to Edelman, one of the biggest causes of traffic problems during unsettled weather is poor visibility.
“Whether it’s rain, hail, fog or sandstorms, the one thing in common is poor visibility,” he said. “Drivers have to adjust their attention accordingly. They have to slow down so they have enough time and space to react if something unexpected happens on the road.”
Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazroui, Director General of Traffic at Dubai Police advised motorists to turn on their low beams when visibility is reduced.
He also urged motorists to keep a distance between cars, fasten their seat belts, pay attention to the road conditions, and refrain from taking pictures or using mobile phones while driving.
Mohammed Sajjad, an avid rain chaser, said most of his accidents in the rain were caused by poor visibility. “Because of the rain, there is water on the roads,” he said. “Due to limited visibility, drivers may not be able to see the water and vehicles will skid. This is a major problem in rainy weather. I advise everyone driving in rainy weather to slow down and drive carefully.”
water skiing
Edelman also reminded residents to be aware of water skiing. This is due to the accumulation of water between the tires and the road surface due to high-speed driving in rainy days. It causes the tires to lose contact with the road and the driver can no longer control the vehicle with the steering wheel.
“This is an extremely dangerous situation that could lead to a very serious accident,” he said. “It’s one of the main reasons drivers have to slow down in the rain.”
safe driving tips
Police in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah have issued safety tips to follow while driving. Edelman also added some of his own:
- Check weather forecasts and reports through accredited media and authorities of the country to avoid dangerous traffic accidents.
- Concentrate and don’t get distracted by other passengers, your phone, or anything else
- Double the safe distance between you and the vehicle ahead. Increased distance from 3 seconds on good weather to at least 5 seconds.
- Make sure your vehicle is in good condition and have your tyres, brakes, windscreen wipers and lights checked before your trip.
- Lights on: dipped beam, front and rear fog lights (hazardous lights)
- Consider longer braking distances due to wet or slippery road surfaces
- Use your windshield wipers properly and use your heater and air conditioner to avoid fogging up your windshield.
- Stay in your lane and don’t go with the flow – it’s natural for people to step into the middle of the road when visibility gets poor.
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