As Dubai and the rest of the UAE prepare for the incoming rains, we are here with a simple solution to make your everyday driving easy in the UAE rains. Check out our top 5 tips for driving in the rainy season in the UAE below.

Also read: This new Dubai RTA road project will cut driving time by 75 percent - See details

Top 5 Do’s for driving safely in the UAE rain

1. Slow and steady wins the race

Rain means less visibility, which also means that others also hit more or less the same with less visibility. So, every driver is trying their best with their instinct to drive safely. Therefore, the best thing to do is slow down and take your time.

Make sure to create a 3-second or more gap from the car ahead. Widen this gap 5 seconds or more if you are following a commercial vehicle, as their brakes are strong and they block your field of view as well.

Also, brake gently and accelerate gently. Avoid sudden directional changes and speed changes, as this could result in the loss of traction or even a crash.

2. Use the right lights

As rain has hit the visibility directly, using your lights can save you from a harsh crash. Most cars nowadays come equipped with foglights at the front and some even for the rear. If your car has those, make sure to turn them on.

Moreover, turn on your main headlights in low beam to make yourself more visible in the heavy rain. Additionally, do not use hazard lights while driving in the UAE rain; use turn signals to change lanes safely.

3. Avoid hydroplaning

Try to find the dark spots or deep pools of water on the road. Generally, these spots are the main cause of hydroplaning or your car floating on the water.

Look closely for the parts of the road where such pools exist. Avoid these pools or drive very slowly through them to make sure your car doesn’t hydroplane or lose control.

4. Be smart and plan well

Try to plan ahead before you hit the road. Check the conditions of the road and weather online. Follow various reporting channels that show the current conditions of the weather and the road.

Also, travel ahead of time so that you do not end up hurrying on the accelerator pedal. This is important as it will not only save you time but also help you concentrate better without worrying about your schedule ahead.

5. Respect other drivers

You might be a seasoned driver with high skills, but not every driver is the same. Some are new, some are not experienced in the rain, and some are slow to understand, but that does not mean you honk, flash your lights, or try to manipulate them to give you way.

In bad weather conditions, respect every driver as everyone is trying their best to stay safe. Your hurrying can lead to someone’s crash - remember that.

Top 5 Don’ts of driving in the UAE rain

1. Driving an unhealthy vehicle

Yes, it is one of the most common mistakes that people make. Always get your vehicle rain-prepped by taking it for a thorough inspection at your trusted car workshop or Cars24 UAE Inspection service.

Make sure that your essentials, including the tyres, lights, brakes, wipers, windshield, AC, defogger, and engine/gearbox, are in top-notch condition to tackle the flooded roads during the UAE rains.

2. Maintain distance

Make sure you do not tailgate any car, especially a big vehicle, including long trailers or buses. Tailgating means you have less distance to control and less time to react if the vehicle ahead does something unpredictable.

Maintaining a two-car length is a basic norm, but we suggest you stay at least three car lengths to avoid any such mishap that you were not planning to experience.

3. Do not overspeed at any cost

It does not matter if you know the road or if you commute on it every day, rainy conditions change the driving experience and the vehicle dynamics completely opposite. So, make sure you do not overspeed. In fact, remain at least 20 percent under the speed limit for full control of the vehicle.

Also, do not enter a turn fast or brake in the mid-corner. Rather, enter slowly and accelerate gently to avoid any loss of traction or crash.

4. Avoid splashing at every cost

When it rains, water pools are normal to form. While on a main road, this might not be an issue for the bystanders, one needs to be utterly careful in the city. Make sure you drive slowly over the water puddles so that you do not end up splashing any bystanders.

5. Do not envy others

During less visibility in the rainy conditions, a subconscious decision that drivers make is to trail a big car or a fast car. This is especially true when you have been driving for hours in the rain.

However, trailing a fast driver does not mean they are experienced enough. Additionally, if they lose control, you also end up going along with them into the crash. Moreover, every car has different dynamics and control levels, which makes a huge difference in such tricky conditions as the rain.

Cars24 UAE says

UAE rains are usually harsh, and they create sudden flooding. Such conditions not only flip the driving experience, but also bring cumbersome conditions for the vehicles. Make sure you keep in mind our above mentioned do’s and don’ts for driving safely in the UAE rains.

FAQs

1. How to see clearly while driving in the rain?

Make sure to clean your windshield and glasses with the glass cleaner and microfibre cloth properly. Also, good quality wipers and lights for clear visibility in the rain.

2. What is a good strategy for driving in the UAE rain?

Always make sure to drive slowly. Follow the three-second rule for safe driving in the rain. Moreover, take the turns slowly and do not accelerate or brake immediately.

3. How to avoid fog in a car during rain without AC?

The best way is to roll the window down a little. If not, try to use the baking soda or anti-fog spray on the glasses to avoid fog during rain without AC in a car.