(MENAFN - The Peninsula) QNA

Doha: The General Directorate of Traffic advised drivers to take caution when driving in the fog due to short distance visibility, and the high probability of accidents, as well as its effects on the traffic flow.

Assistant Director of Traffic Awareness Department Major Jaber Mohamed Odaiba stressed on several aspects of safe driving during the fog, some of which including the vehicle and others include the drivers.

He stressed on the importance of the vehicle to be qualified and in good shape, in terms of light signals, windows and tyre safety. He also pointed to the need to follow signs on the way, and to not change lanes, or exceed the specified speeds of the road.

He also pointed to the driver's relation with other road users, stressing the importance of using road sings, such as the use of signals, reflective triangle in case of car breakdown and placing it away from the car, as well as placing the car in the right location away from traffic flow.

Major Odaiba warned of some mistakes made by some drivers such as following the specified road speed, even if it is at a pace that is commensurate with their level of vision, which is wrong.

Pic: Baher Amin / The Peninsula

He also called on drivers to avoid some wrong driving behaviours during the fog, such as using the brakes vigorously, changing lanes, using the high beam head lights, which would only lessen the visibility further.

He stressed on the importance of leaving an appropriate distance between other cars during the fog, and to use roads that are not crowded, and to keep the windows partially open in order to hear the sounds of other vehicles.

Traffic Officer Fahad Abu Hindi urged drivers to stop their vehicles in case of no visibility during heavy fog or sandy winds. He also added that traffic patrols stop trucks from driving during fogs and low visibility.

He also called on drivers not use the hazard lights continuously during the rain or fogs, and stressed to use them only when needed.

Driving during bad weather conditions requires more attention and caution as well as safety procedures for safe driving.

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