CHAIRMAN: DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: DR. KHALID MUBARAK AL-SHAFI

Qatar

Motorists urged to be cautious during rain

Published: 20 Oct 2018 - 02:50 am | Last Updated: 28 Dec 2021 - 11:39 am
Owing to rainy season, weather has turned pleasant in Qatar providing people opportunities to spend leisure time outdoors with family and friends. A large number of people witnessed yesterday picnicking at Doha Corniche that also increased business of Dho

Owing to rainy season, weather has turned pleasant in Qatar providing people opportunities to spend leisure time outdoors with family and friends. A large number of people witnessed yesterday picnicking at Doha Corniche that also increased business of Dho

Sidi Mohamed | The Peninsula

DOHA: As the rainy season starts, driving in wet weather requires more caution and alert in addition to safe driving practices.

The General Directorate of Traffic at the Ministry of Interior has advised motorists to ensure that the wipers are functional and can clean the windshield.

The ministry has published, on their official Twitter account, many tips for motorists driving on wet roads during rain. Among the most important of these tips include an advice to be more alert and attentive while driving in rain.

Motorists have also been advised to stay away from everything which may make them busy while driving. “Avoid driving through water-logged areas that may endanger drivers’ safety, avoid overtaking and unnecessary lane-changes and also keep a safe distance between vehicles,” said a traffic officials.

Another official of the General Directorate of Traffic said that the tips provided by the department are part of the ‘safety driving’ programme’ which was launched by the department.

He also added that there have been no major traffic accidents caused by the rain in recent days but the drivers must deal cautiously with the rain and reduce the speed.

He also confirmed that department had deployed traffic patrols at all areas to manage traffic and provide aid in case of need. “Drivers must reduce speed when the road is wet, and don’t drive at speed that does not suit the road’s condition,” he added.

“Maintain the speed lesser than specified or mentioned on any specific road and ensure safety and validity of tires by measuring air pressure,” the ministry posted in another tweet.

As rain falls, it creates slick conditions, which could cause skidding. The best way to avoid skidding is to slow down. Driving at a slower pace allows more of the tire’s tread to make contact with the road, which leads to better traction.