Sandstorms are often encountered in many Arab countries, especially in the Middle East and North Africa, such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, and UAE. They occur when strong winds lift loose sand and dust from dry, arid regions, often in desert landscapes. These storms often occur during warmer months, particularly during spring and more often during summer when temperatures rise and wind pattern changes.
How Sandstorms Affect Safe Driving
Sandstorms affect safe driving by reducing drivers’ visibility, making it difficult to see the road and detect moving objects around, or even potential hazards. In terms of driving assistance systems, the strong winds and blowing sands also lead to overwhelming the sensors, cameras, and radars’ functionality, leading to potential malfunction, slower response times, inability to detect moving objects, further compromising safety on the road. Add to that, sandstorms may cause abrupt changes in road conditions, leading to slippery surfaces or debris on the path.
Essential Tips for Safe Driving During Sandstorms
· Slow down: reduce your speed while driving, so you can give yourself the time to react when sudden changes in visibility or road conditions occur.
· Use low beams or fog lights: high beams are going to make it harder to see, and they may reflect off the dust.
· Increase the safe distance: keep a bigger and safer distance between your car and the vehicle ahead, as stopping distances may increase due to low visibility and potential sand buildup on the road.
· Pull over if necessary: if the visibility becomes too poor to drive in the storm, pull over and turn on the hazard lights. Don’t risk driving if it’s not possible to see around you.
· Turn off Cruise Control or Adaptive Cruise Control: you can’t drive on a constant speed during sand storms since there will be traffic and slow driving around you. You will have to stop several times and keep your full focus on the road. Even Adaptive Cruise Control won’t be able to help you because poor visibility, sand, and debris affect the functionality of the cameras, radars, and sensors.
· Avoid Sudden Maneuvers: Keep a steady hand on the wheel and avoid sudden braking or sharp turns, which can lead to losing control of the vehicle.
· Keep Windows and Air Vents Closed: Seal windows and vents to prevent sand from blowing into the car and affecting your visibility or causing discomfort.
· Brake carefully: remember that drivers behind you are also struggling to see the roads around them, so make sure to brake carefully to avoid them crashing into your car. This will also be easy for you when you keep the safe distance as mentioned above.
Remember that you also have to keep an eye on the weather news when hot weather comes, so you can stay up to date in case an upcoming sandstorm is forecast. However, if you have to drive in sandstorms due to an emergency or any other reason, don’t be afraid if any hard object hits your car because of the high wind. Remember to relax and stay focused; otherwise, you will not be able to focus on the road and drive safely and carefully as you shall. Act wisely and drive safely because panicking will only distract you.
