Scary Fog In Dubai Yesterday

The fog has arrived and yesterday was one of the many more fogs we will encounter here in Dubai. Yesterday's fog was scary because it was dense and descended so fast. I peeped through our bedroom window to see only flicker of lights from vehicles and the street lamps. And 5 minutes after, the fog was thick, very misty and very dangerous.

The news today warned the public of the many more fog encounters we will have these coming days because the weather is changing. We are slowly easing into fall.

Driving in a very dense fog is treacherous. Plenty of motorists decided to stay home and waited it out while others pulled on the shoulder and the side of the road for safety. Others decided to skip work or school while others drove slowly than ever because you couldn't see the curb nor the pavement on the thick fog yesterday. Even flights were diverted and delayed. That one fog which lasted for several hours in the morning caused mayhem both on the ground and off!

So if you happen to drive into another fog in the coming days, please remember to practice caution. Do not, I repeat, do not ever use hazard lights as motorists behind will not be able to anticipate your sudden change of lane or stop. Use the fog lights and maintain a low beam. Using a high beam can reflect more light to tiny moisture and can cause more visibility issues. Also, drive slowly and maintain a safe distance of about 2-3 cars apart. Be patient as everyone else is hoping and praying to get to their destinations safely and in one piece.

Riding the Motorcycle

The motorcycle is one of the easiest vehicle to operate. All you need is the proper gear while choosing the right motorcycle helmets, the right balance and a sensible reflex to drive responsibly and safely.

I have driven a motorcycle in the past and I enjoyed the liberating feeling of being strong and in control in the road. Of course, I had to be cautious at all times to ensure that I don't find myself getting hurt or the other way around.

It may be an easy ride to operate but if an irresponsible and risky driver is behind the motorcycle then it becomes a dangerous mode of transportation.

Driving Safely in Foggy Condition

I am not used to drive in foggy conditions. It is a common occurrence here in the UAE especially when the season is changing. We are used to the weather but navigating through main thoroughfares with other motorists who have no consideration to other human lives is another story.

Fog is a thick cloud bank that lies low in the ground. Visibility can be affected and most and if the fog is very thick, then you can expect a zero visibility. This condition is the scariest for motorists because you don't know if there is a vehicle in front of you and if it is slowing down or not.

Here are tips to drive safely in foggy condition:

• Check weather conditions and be aware so you can prepare in advance.
• Use your fog lights if it is installed in your vehicle. Is you live in a place where foggy condition is common, install fog lights in your vehicle.
• Do not drift in the middle of the line and stay in line as much as possible. Use your right side as a guide.
• If you are driving with someone else, please ask the help of your passenger to watch out for any oncoming traffic.
• Keep a safe distance. One full length of a car is normally the safe distance between 2 vehicles. However, in foggy weather, allow at least 2 full length of car distance.
• Do not speed up. It is difficult to know if the vehicle in front of you is slowing down if the fog is thick.
• Keep your defroster and wiper on if necessary because the moisture in the air can collect on your windshield making driving more difficult.
• Pull over to the side of the road if the visibility is zero. Better yet, let the fog settle and it normally clears mid-morning. If you can afford to skip work for few hours then do so. I would rather be late than sorry.