DRIVING SAFELY IN ABU DHABI: PART 1 - GUIDE

Here are some tips in driving that would be useful to avoid any road mishaps. It is better be safe than sorry.

GENERAL ADVICE FOR DRIVERS

Before moving off:

1. Adjust your mirrors to make sure you can see behind
2. Get comfortable in your seat
3. Fasten your seatbelt
4. Start the engine
5. Check in all mirrors to check the road is clear, and look around to check the blind spots (the areas you are unable to see in the mirror)
6. Signal that you are about to move off
7. Look around for the final check, then move off only when it is safe to do so

While driving:

1. Always follow speed limits
2. Beware of road surprises; always expect the unexpected
3. Never get too close to the vehicle in front that you cannot stop safely
4. Do not change lanes without using your indicator to tell other road users what you are about to do
5. Be aware of cyclists and motorcyclists who may be passing on either side
6. Be aware of pedestrians - they may step out into the road without moticing you. Give way to pedestrians at pedestrian crossings
7. Unless road signs or markings indicate otherwise, keep to the right - except when overtaking, turning left or avoiding pedestrians in the road
8. Drive with both hands on the wheel
9. Use your mirrors frequently so that you always know what is behind and to each side of you, and always check your mirrors before you signal or change direction. Remember: mirrors - signal - manoeuvre
10. At decision points, think ahead and make decisions early - especially when approaching roundabouts or junctions. 

INDICATORS

Make sure that other road users are fully aware of any manoeuvre you are about to do - you must use your idicators for long enough to give warning to other drivers and pedestrians that you intend to change direction.

You must normally signal with your indicators when...

• turning to the right or left
• changing lanes
• overtaking
• making u-turns
• driving into and out of parking places or a parking bay
• leaving a roundabout

Look out for the indicators on other vehicles to see what they are doing.
Be aware that sometimes an indicator may not have been turned off from the last turn, or may have been put on too early.


FLASHING HEADLIGHTS

Only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there.

• Do not flash your headlights constantly to tell other road users to move out of the way
• Do not assume that a flash of headlights is a signal inviting you to proceed

THE HORN

Use the horn only to warn other road users of your presence.

• Do not sound your horn aggressively to indicate that you disapprove of another driver's actions
• Do not use your horn whilst stationary
• Do not use your horn when driving in a residential area at night except when another road user poses a danger

HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS

Using hazard warning indictors...

• While stationary, to warn other drivers that your vehicle is temporarily obstructing traffic
• While driving, to warn drivers behind you of a hazard or obstruction ahead

BRAKING

Everytime you push down on the brake pedal, your brake lights will go on to warn other road users you are slowing down or stopping.

It is important to give as much warning as possible by braking early and slowing gradually; do not wait to the last minute to apply the brakes, and do not leave things so late that you have to apply them hard (except in emergency cases)


USING YOU LIGHTS

Headlights and tail lghts help others to see you in poor conditions - this is at least as important function as helping you see the road ahead at night.

• Headlights and tail lights must be switched on before sunset and sunrise
• They must also be on in dangerous weather conditions, such as fog, rain, smoke or sand storms, where it may be hard for other drivers to see you
• Because high beam may dazzle the oncoming driver's eyes, you should 'dip' to low-beam when another vehicle is within sight
• You should also dip your headlights when you are approaching another vehicle from behind
• When overtaking, dip your headlights as you approach and start to pass the other vehicle. When you are level with or just past the driver you can return to full beam without dazzling them.

Important Note: High beam lights must oly be used on roads which do not have overhead lighting and only when needed to improve the view ahead.


SEATBELTS

The use of seat belts is strongly recommended for adults and older children in all seats of the car.

Important Note: The law requires that you must wear a seatbelt if you are the driver or a front-seat passenger. (Children are not allowed to ride in the front seat of a vehicle until they have turned ten years old)

A guide to car seats

Finding the right baby car seat isn't as easy as you might think. Because not all car seats fit all cars - and you don't want to find out you've bought the wrong one in the hospital car park when you're about to take your bundle of joy home.

Car seats are divided into different groups. It's the weight of your child that is important, not necessarily the age.

• Baby seats - infant carriers from birth to 13kg (approx 15 months) are always rearward-facing
• Combination seats - can be used from birth (rearward facing) to 13kgs, and then forward facing to 18kgs (approx 4 years)
• Forward-facing seats - from 9 to 18kgs (approx 9 months to 4 years)
• Highback boosters and booster cushions - from 15-36 kg (approx 4 to 12 years)

Fitting the car seat - things to remember

• Read the instructions carefully. Remember up t 80% of car seats are fitted incorrectly
• Always try before you buy to make sure it fits your make of car
• Practice fitting the seat a few times before you need to use it
• Fasten the seat into the car as tightly as possible. There should be no slack or loose seat belts
• Adjust the harness for a snug fit against the child's chest
• When correctly installed, the car seat should not move or slide around excessively

DRIVING WITH KIDS DO'S & DON'TS

We all have our bad habits when driving. Whether it's driving too fast and recklessly, or talking on the mobile without a hands-free set, such risky behavior affects more than your fellow road users.  If you're driving with children, you're putting their lives at risks too.

DO:

• Prepare in advance for your journey with  anything your young passengers will need
• Be prepared to safely stop over on the side of the road if the kids get a little too rowdy or they need the bathroom
• Keep focused on the road without letting the kids distract you with their backseat shenanigans.
• Be firm with your young passengers, laying down the ground rules of travelling with you. Don't esily give into their demands when driving.

DON'T:

• Let young children eat in the car if you think they may choke thus keeping your mind unnecessarily occupied with series of "what-if" scenarios
• Use the mobile when driving with kids, this simply adds to your distractions
• Under any circumstances text and drive
• Play loud music
• Drive erratically
• Exceed the speed limit

Important Note: Speed limits within Abu Dhabi are generally as follows:

• Highways outside Abu Dhabi City - 100 or 120 kph
• Major roads within Abu Dhabi City - 60, 80 or 100 kph
• Residential Areas - 20 or 40 kph

There will be variations on these general rules, with specific sections of road carrying a different speed limit. It is the driver's responsibility to ensure that he or she keeps within the limit for that particular stretch of road.


Before I end this Part 1 Guide, I would like to emphasize the importance of prayer before driving/ starting your journey, asking God to guide you and keep you & you family safe. We will have the confidence knowing He is beside us.

Gd bless us more....


 

Tweet

Sign up here with your email address to receive updates from this blog in your inbox.