Abu Dhabi Police warn motorists against using hazard lights during fog

Morning fog hangs over Masdar bridge area in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National 

As the UAE approaches its foggy season, Abu Dhabi Police are reminding motorists to not to use their hazard lights while driving through mist.

Hazard lights are commonly used when visibility on roads is poor but it can confuse surrounding motorists who have no way of knowing which direction a driver will turn or whether there is trouble ahead.

For many years, police have been campaigning to change this bad habit through awareness drives and by introducing a Dh500 fine (and penalty of four black points) for anyone caught using hazard lights incorrectly.

On Saturday, police renewed calls for only using caution lights when stopping on the side of the road or to alert motorists of an accident or other danger ahead.

Misusing hazard lights can distract other drivers and lead to dangerous accidents, police said.

The warning is the latest in efforts to improve road safety in times of poor visibility.

Last week, Abu Dhabi's transport authority approved a safety scheme slashing speeds on roads during hazardous weather conditions.

The Department of Transport's traffic safety committee agreed to cut speed limits to 80kph when visibility for drivers is reduced to 200 metres or less.

Motorists will be alerted to the reduced speed limits by notices on smart towers — structures displaying road messages — located on routes throughout the emirate.

And last year, Abu Dhabi Police banned lorries from driving in the city during foggy weather, saying drivers should pull over somewhere safe and wait for conditions to clear.

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Read more:

Speed limits to be cut during hazardous weather conditions in Abu Dhabi

Lorries banned from Abu Dhabi city in foggy weather, police warn

How to drive safely in the UAE fog