# Sweet Half .. 9 tips to drive safely in the UAE

The automotive industry has made great strides in the field of safety compared to cars of the past, thanks to the innovative technologies used in designing each part, but driving in rainy climates still poses a risk to drivers' safety, due to the negative impact of rain on tire grip levels.

Despite the low rainfall in the UAE, the fluctuating weather conditions may affect drivers' ability to drive and control the vehicle on wet roads.

Information released by the Dubai Police Command and Control Unit indicates that during the past year, specifically in January, the rains caused nearly 1,900 traffic accidents during one weekend only. Source: Arabian Business.

Committed to its position as one of the most important tire manufacturers in the world, Pirelli Middle East affirms its commitment to maintaining traffic safety and offers drivers nine prominent tips to help them drive safely in the UAE:

1

Driving with caution

Being careful when driving in rainy conditions is a key safety factor, including slowing down, avoiding focus distortions, and holding the steering wheel tightly with both hands.

Turning slowly, avoiding sudden use of the brakes while driving, as well as paying attention to road signs are also important aspects of maintaining a constant level of traction and not losing control of the vehicle.

Drivers should also increase their safety distance, as the optimum distance allows for braking and stopping within five seconds.

2 Pay attention to traffic lights

It is always important for the driver to pay attention to the road signs, especially in rainy weather, as this allows him to make better decisions in light of the surrounding conditions, by adjusting his speed and maintaining control of the car.

With regard to rainy weather, the driver must give utmost importance to the signs of slippery roads, speed bumps and lower lanes, which are more prone to flooding.

In addition, it is necessary to abide by the lane markings and at the right edge of the road, to avoid cars coming from the opposite direction, and their strong lights that may affect the driver's vision.

3 turn on the lights

This is the first and most important step that the driver must take in the event of heavy rain, as this helps the driver to see clearly, and enables other drivers to see the car.

4 Secure good visibility

Drivers must know how to deal with the limited visibility distance caused by rain, and making sure that the windshield wipers work and that the heating system is used to remove the fog formed inside the car are among the priorities that must be checked before setting off in the rainy weather.

5 Tire condition assessment

Tires play a major role in traffic safety, increasing safety levels, and whatever the design of the mechanical elements in the car is excellent, it will not do its job in the best possible way without the presence of high-quality tires, and in a suitable condition to work in all conditions.

6 Turn cautiously

Most of the dangers can be avoided by driving cautiously and at a moderate speed, but the possibility of the front or the back of the car slipping remains on wet floors.

The driver's first reaction may be to increase the degree of cornering, but the correct action is to reduce pressure on the throttle and gradually return the steering wheel to a straight position, until the wheels return to their correct direction.

7 Pay attention to slippery roads

Tires can lose their grip, even on a thin layer of water, as the mixture of water, dirt and oils on the road surface forms a very slippery mixture, ensuring that the tires lose their cohesion, and this mixture appears as a foam on the surface of the asphalt.

8 Dealing with water slides

Driving over water puddles can cause the car to skid, even at speeds not exceeding 50 km / h.

The best way to deal with skidding is by taking the foot off the accelerator pedal, holding the handlebars firmly, to ensure maximum control, and applying the brakes very carefully and lightly when needed.

9 Avoid deep water

When it is difficult to estimate the depth of the puddles that the car will pass through, it is better for the driver to be very careful, as the water puddles can hide deep pits, capable of causing damage to the tires, wheels and suspension system, and may even cause a loss of control of the car.

The same advice applies to driving in floods, as drivers must be careful when driving in deep water, to avoid getting into the engine or exposing the car's electrical system to getting wet.

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