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Traffic jams, flight delays in UAE as fog returns

Sheikh Zayed Road is shrouded under the fog in this picture taken by Dubai resident John Robert Ramos. Photo: John Robert Ramos/www.aertwrk.com

Heavy fog caused multiple pile-ups and brought traffic to a standstill across the emirates on Monday morning, while some flights were also delayed.

A crash opposite Mirdif City Centre on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (formerly Emirates Road) heading towards Jebel Ali caused a severe traffic jam early in the morning.

A second 10-car pile-up on the same highway was reported at the south entrance to Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority, The National reported.

Separately, five cars were involved in a crash on Umm Suqeim Road, the report said.



However, police told The National no injuries were reported, but cautioned drivers to be careful on the roads.

“Our advice is to check everything before they set off on their journey if there’s heavy fog. They should use their lights, drive slowly and keep a further distance from the car in in-front than usual. They shouldn’t change lane unless it’s necessary and if the fog is too much, motorists should pull over to the hard shoulder and wait for it to lift,” a police spokesperson warned.

FLIGHTS DELAYED

Meanwhile several flights were delayed arriving into Sharjah International Airport, local news website Emirates 24/7 reported.

Air Arabia flights from the Pakistani cities of Peshawar and Sialkot, Bangalore, Cochin and several other Indian cities, as well as Istanbul and Khartoum were delayed.

“We are expecting the visibility to improve within the next few hours,” the an airport official said.

Flights arriving into Abu Dhabi and Dubai only faced minor delays.

TWITTER WARNINGS

Residents took to social network, Twitter, to warn fellow commuters of the foggy conditions, while officials warned drivers to be safe on the roads.

 


SAFE DRIVING TIPS:

Visibility can reduce by 80% during foggy conditions and drivers should be extra alert on the roads.

Here are a few tips on safe driving by the Emirates Driving Institute:

  • Slow down. Most fog-related accidents occur due to over-speeding.

  • Use your low beam lights or fog lights as it is difficult to see drivers and for them to see you.

  • Don't turn on the high beam as it directs light up into the fog, making it difficult for you to see.

  • Keep an eye on your speedometer, because studies show that drivers can get used to foggy conditions and increase speed over time.

  • Use your windscreen wipers and demisters.

  • Don't switch on your hazard lights as other drivers will not know if you are switching lanes or not.