RTA urges motorists to observe safe driving during changing weather conditions

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has again urged motorists to observe safe driving during changing weather conditions.

Metha bin Udai, CEO of RTA Traffic and Roads Agency has called on motorists to exercise every caution during the days and weeks ahead, which have the potentials of thick fog blankets, and possibly rainfall; which is always associated with escalating traffic accidents due to wet roads.

The RTA latest call is part of seasonal campaign launched during the final quarter of the year to raise drivers’ awareness of proper and safe practices of safe driving under such changing climatic conditions.

During the campaign, which started early October and continues till the end of this year, the RTA inspectors distributed educative leaflets to drivers in several parts of Dubai in collaboration with Al Ahli Driving Institute.

The campaign focused on parking lots of Land Department, Dubai Courts, Department of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai Media City, RTA Customers Service Centers and truck drivers at JAFZA.

"The campaign focused on a number of educational points that assist drivers avoid road crashes triggered by changing weather conditions. The campaigns used digital and smart channels in transmitting awareness messages such as social media network, screens in customer service center, bridges and roads as well as awareness flashes on websites & media outlets. Messages were transmitted in Arabic & English to reach to the largest possible number of drivers and community members," she explained.

She called upon drivers to continually check their vehicles and maintain them properly especially headlights, wipers, tires and brakes as they contribute to boosting driver’s visibility and control of the vehicle during rainy spells. She also called on motorists to reduce speed, maintain sufficient distance between vehicles, and anticipate the stoppage of traffic at any moment.

The RTA has advised drivers to leave extra safe distance between the vehicles, be vigilant and avoid onboard distracters such as the mobile phone, ensure vehicle's windows and mirrors are clean; and use wipers and headlights to improve visibility.

In case a thick fog makes it impossible to continue driving, stop and park your vehicle off the road, the authority said, adding, that always keep an eye on the speedometer to reduce speed gradually and use fog lights besides the normal lights of the vehicles.

The RTA has cautioned the drivers not to use full beam, and stop vehicles on or near the driving lane to avoid causing serial accidents with vehicles coming from behind. They should avoid sudden burst of speed even if it looks that the fog blanket is dissipating, as it may resurface suddenly.

At the end the road authority has advised the drivers that they should not attempt to accelerate to overtake a slow vehicle in front, or drive away from a vehicle behind, because wet roads may cause the vehicle to skid and degrade the efficiency of the brakes.