(UTV|COLOMBO) – A total of 564 traffic accidents were recorded in the morning hours of Thursday (between 6am and 12pm) due to foggy weather, while the police’s Command and Control Unit logged up to 3,564 emergency calls during this period, Dubai Police said.
Of these, the most severe one was on Emirates Road involving 28 vehicles. Nine people were injured in the incident.
Brigadier Saif Muhair Al Mazroui, director of the Traffic Department, said the accident occurred in the Abu Dhabi direction around 7.30am.
“Heavy fog was the main reason. The accident caused a tailback on Emirates Road towards Abu Dhabi and traffic patrols intervened to prevent more mishaps, especially as visibility was low,” Brigadier Al Mazroui said.
Due to the accident, Dubai Police blocked the traffic on Emirates Road and diverted trucks to designated parking areas. Patrols spread along the road to warn other drivers to slow down to allow ambulances and rescue patrols to get through.
“It is important to slow down in foggy weather because [when driving fast] drivers don’t have the time to use the brakes [in case of an emergency]. The driver’s mistake in such weather can cost him his life,” he added.
Lieutenant-Colonel Mohammad Abdullah Al Qaidi, director of Bur Dubai Patrols, and Lieutenant-Colonel Ali Mohammad Al Badwawi, director of Traffic section in Bur Dubai police station, along with a team police experts, were on the scene.
Colonel Turki Abdul Rahman Bin Faris, director of the Command and Control Unit, urged motorists to be cautious when driving in rainy or foggy conditions.
“Motorists should always keep a safe distance between cars and adjust their speed to the weather conditions … allow extra time for your journey and check your planned route. It’s advisable to slow down as rain makes roads slippery,” Lt-Col Bin Faris said.
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