TRANSPORTATION TUESDAY

1. TRANSPORTATION TUESDAY You can tell it’s Winter in the Middle East … the weather is improving But cooler weather brings hazards ...

2. Heat makes the oil in asphalt rise to the surface. Water and oil do not mix - the road becomes slippery and very dangerous. WET WEATHER Hazard lights confuse and annoy other drivers. Only use hazard lights to warn other drivers you are involved in or are beside an accident. If rain makes it difficult to see, put on your headlights (dipped) slow down Hydroplaning … when your tyres lose contact with the road • most tyres have good traction up to about 35 mph • when you go faster, your tyres ride up in the water • in heavy rain your tyres may lose contact with the road at 50mph • worn tyres will lose traction at much slower speeds Stay further back from the vehicle in front : stopping distances are at least double what you need in dry weather spray will make it difficult to see and be seen movement of other vehicles becomes unpredictable Recover from hydroplaning … • ease your foot off the gas pedal … you will feel the tyres gripping again • keep the steering wheel straight … only try to turn if it’s an emergency • if you must turn, do it SLOWLY or you will SKID • do not try to stop or turn until your tyres are gripping to road again

3. Watch out for fog … it drifts rapidly and is often patchy FOGGY WEATHER Don’t have a false sense of security ... • don’t follow close to the vehicle in front … you could be following them into danger • don’t presume a clear patch means the fog has lifted … you could accelerate into another patch of thick fog When fog appears suddenly : • check your mirrors - be careful another vehicle does not crash into the back of you • slow down gradually - fog can make the road wet and you might skid Use your vehicle’s safety equipment : drive slowly using dipped headlights - beware of other drivers without lights put on your fog lights if you have them - remember to switch them off when visibility improves use your windscreen wipers to keep keep your screen clear FOOT At junctions / crossroads : • stop in the correct position • listen for other traffic from all directions • when you are sure it is safe to move … do not hesitate … this can put you in danger from vehicles behind OFF THE FOG GAS

4. WINDY WEATHER High sided vehicles … avoid causing danger to others : slow down make sure your load is secured give other vehicles lots of room when passing beware when passing bikes - they are easily blown off course watch out for big gusts of wind … near or on bridges, when passing gaps in buildings Bicycles & motorcycles are in danger from other vehicles : • cyclists should keep a safe distance from the other traffic • don’t be embarrassed to dismount from your bicycle and walk • give motorcycles space when they are overtaking - allow for sudden gusts that might blow them off course

5. SUNNY WEATHER Don’t get distracted … keep your eyes on the road ... Warm weather contributes to driver fatigue … stop when you need a rest … keep your vehicle well ventilated

6. Danger lurks in many places. Stay alert - avoid disgraces