Picture by: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula
MET has predicted that Qatar mornings will continue to be foggy for another week making it difficult for those driving across the country. Due to low visibility traffic jams were reported in various areas particularly the highways and Ring roads.
Driving in these weather conditions can be tricky as visibility falls between zero to 300 metres. Below mentioned are a few tips for safe driving in these hazardous conditions:
1. Drive only if you have to. At times, if possible, it is best to stay off the road till the weather clears. If you have to drive then go much slower than normal speed as sometimes it is better to be late.
2. Slowing down will allow you more time and space to react if traffic stops or other hazards appear.
3. Stay focused on the road to stay safe. Low visibility and heavy traffic both demand your undivided attention so it is important to stay focused. Do not be distracted by the radio or the phone. Switch them both off to be on safer side.
4. Avoid using high-beam headlights in fog as water droplets in the fog spread and reflect light. Use your low-beam lights instead.
5. Switch on your fog lights till the visibility improves.
6. Turn your heater on as this will keep your windows clear. Foggy means it is cool and so condensation may build up on the inside of your car thus affecting visibility. So keep the heater on.
7. Avoid changing lanes and keep yourself in your lane. Constantly changing lanes can be dangerous as motorists behind you may not have seen you.
8. Listen carefully for other vehicles. Driving at low speed means the wind noise will be minimum allowing you to hear of another vehicle that you can't see.
9. If it gets too difficult, pull over, turn your hazard lights to alert other drivers and wait for the conditions to improve.
