Heavy rains bring the UAE to a standstill

BU DHABI // Police and road safety experts have urged motorists to drive with caution as strong winds downed trees and heavy rain led to flooding in some areas of the capital.The Ministry of Interior took to Twitter to warn motorists of heavy rains reducing visibility and strong winds causing debris to land and obstruct roads.“The biggest mistakes drivers make is not adjusting to the poor conditions,” said Dino Kalivas, chairman of the driver education and training committee at the International Road Federation.“If roads are wet, visibility is poor, then drivers should adjust their speed, drive a little slower which gives greater time to react to hazards on the roads.”Motorists need to drive with their headlights on, as this increases visibility to other drivers and pedestrians.“They need to allow an increase in stopping distance, by maintaining a longer following distance between themselves and the car in front,” Mr Kalivas said. “If possible, avoid driving when rain is heaviest and visibility is extremely poor.”Robert Hodges, the chief operating officer at Emirates Driving Institute in Dubai, agreed, saying: “Delay your trip is the weather is really bad, especially if it’s dark.”