As temperatures soar in the UAE, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is once again reminding residents and visitors to take extra care on the roads. While summer means beach days, road trips, and evening drives, it also brings a unique set of challenges for drivers. From high temperatures affecting vehicles to the risk of sudden fog or dust storms, the summer months can be unpredictable.
Driving in the heat isn’t just about staying cool inside your car. It’s about being prepared, staying alert, and knowing how to handle unexpected situations. The RTA has put together a set of simple yet effective safety tips to help everyone navigate the roads confidently and avoid unnecessary risks during the summer season.
Keep a Close Eye on Your Vehicle’s Condition
One of the most important things to remember before heading out is to check your vehicle thoroughly. Summer heat can be unforgiving, and cars can develop issues without warning if not properly maintained.
Start with your tyres. High temperatures can cause tyre pressure to increase, which might lead to blowouts if left unchecked. It’s essential to regularly inspect tyre pressure and overall condition. Make sure the tread is intact and there are no visible cracks or signs of wear. A few minutes spent checking your tyres can save you from major trouble on the highway.
Your car’s cooling system is another critical area. Overheating engines are a common problem during summer, and it often comes down to low coolant levels or radiator issues. Top up fluids as needed and keep an eye out for leaks.
Air conditioning systems should also be checked before the heat really sets in. A properly functioning AC isn’t just a comfort feature — it’s a necessity in the UAE’s harsh summer climate.
Stay Hydrated and Keep Essentials Handy
Long drives in the heat can be physically exhausting, even with air conditioning. Always carry enough drinking water for yourself and your passengers. Dehydration can cause dizziness and slow reaction times, both of which are dangerous when you’re behind the wheel.
It’s also wise to keep a few essential items in your car at all times. A first-aid kit, phone charger, reflective warning triangle, and a flashlight can come in handy during unexpected breakdowns or emergencies. Think of it as a small investment in peace of mind.
Plan Your Journeys During Cooler Hours
The RTA strongly advises motorists to avoid driving during peak heat hours whenever possible, especially between 12 PM and 3 PM when temperatures typically hit their highest. Not only is the heat intense during these hours, but the risk of car overheating increases as well.
If your schedule allows, plan your trips in the early morning or later in the evening when roads are cooler and traffic is usually lighter. Apart from being a safer option, it can also make your journey much more comfortable and pleasant.
Be Cautious of Road Glare and Dust
Summer isn’t only about sunshine — it also brings its fair share of dust storms and sudden fog patches, especially in the desert outskirts and open highways. These can severely reduce visibility and make driving treacherous if you’re unprepared.
Make sure your windshield is clean, both inside and out, to reduce glare from the sun. Keep sunglasses within easy reach to combat harsh light, and use your sun visors effectively. If you encounter a dust storm or dense fog, slow down, turn on your hazard lights, and keep a safe distance from other vehicles. In extreme cases, it’s better to pull over safely and wait until visibility improves.
Avoid Leaving Children and Pets Inside Parked Vehicles
Every summer, global headlines report tragic stories of children and pets being left in hot vehicles. In the UAE’s climate, the inside of a car can become dangerously hot in minutes, even with a cracked window.
The RTA continuously reminds drivers never to leave children, elderly family members, or pets unattended in parked cars, no matter how brief the stop may be. It’s a simple but crucial rule that can save lives. Make it a habit to check your back seats before locking the car.
Keep a Safe Distance and Watch Out for Overheated Cars
During the hot season, vehicles can overheat unexpectedly, especially older models or those with poor maintenance. It’s advisable to maintain a greater following distance than usual, giving yourself ample time to react if the car ahead suddenly stops or slows down due to a mechanical issue.
You might also notice other vehicles pulled over on the side of the road with their hoods up. Be extra cautious when passing these cars and avoid unnecessary lane changes or abrupt stops, as traffic patterns can shift quickly in such situations.
Use Public Transport When Possible
For those who prefer to avoid driving in the heat altogether, the RTA encourages residents and visitors to take advantage of Dubai’s well-connected public transport network. The Dubai Metro, trams, buses, and water taxis offer air-conditioned, reliable travel options across the city.
Using public transport not only reduces personal stress but also eases congestion on the roads during the busy summer months. It’s a simple way to stay safe, beat the heat, and contribute to the city’s eco-friendly initiatives.
Know What to Do in Case of a Breakdown
Despite the best precautions, breakdowns can still happen. It’s important to stay calm and follow basic safety procedures if your vehicle experiences trouble.
If possible, pull over to the side of the road safely and turn on your hazard lights. Place your reflective triangle a good distance behind your vehicle to alert other drivers. Avoid standing on the road itself, especially on highways, and stay inside your car if it’s safe to do so.
In case you’re stranded in a remote area or during a dust storm, keep your windows closed, stay hydrated, and call for roadside assistance immediately. Always ensure your phone is fully charged before setting out on long journeys.
Regularly Service Your Vehicle
One of the easiest ways to avoid mid-journey surprises is to schedule regular maintenance checks for your vehicle, especially before the peak summer months. The RTA recommends that drivers book a comprehensive service appointment to inspect tyres, brakes, battery, coolant systems, and air conditioning.
Preventive maintenance can catch potential problems early, saving you time, money, and stress in the long run. A well-serviced car is not only safer but also performs better, making your summer drives more enjoyable.
Be Patient and Drive Defensively
The combination of heat, traffic congestion, and long commutes can test the patience of even the most experienced drivers. It’s important to stay calm, avoid aggressive driving, and practice defensive driving techniques.
Keep an eye out for reckless drivers, sudden lane changers, and those who might be struggling with vehicle trouble in the heat. By staying patient and giving other motorists the benefit of the doubt, you contribute to safer roads for everyone.
Check Traffic Updates Before You Travel
Before you leave for your destination, check real-time traffic updates through mobile apps or road signage systems. Knowing about congestion, road closures, or accidents in advance allows you to plan alternate routes and avoid unnecessary delays.
This simple habit can also help you dodge areas with reported sandstorms or fog, keeping your journey smooth and safe.
Watch Out for Motorcyclists and Delivery Riders
Summer is a particularly tough time for motorcyclists and delivery riders, who brave the heat daily to deliver goods and meals across the city. Give them extra space on the road, be mindful of their presence in your blind spots, and avoid sudden stops or lane changes that could put them in danger.
Showing a little extra care can make a big difference in ensuring everyone gets home safely at the end of the day.
Be Mindful of Pedestrians and Cyclists
Many residents still choose to walk or cycle during summer, especially in the early morning and evening hours. Be alert at pedestrian crossings and in residential neighborhoods where kids might be playing or cyclists could be sharing the road.
Always slow down near zebra crossings and school zones, even if it seems quiet. Keeping an eye out for others isn’t just good driving etiquette — it’s a vital part of road safety.
Final Thoughts
Staying safe on the roads this summer doesn’t have to be complicated. A little preparation, attentiveness, and common sense go a long way in ensuring that both drivers and passengers have a pleasant and risk-free experience.
The RTA’s top tips serve as a timely reminder that road safety is a shared responsibility. Whether it’s checking your tyres, staying hydrated, or being patient with fellow motorists, every small action counts.
So the next time you set out for a drive — whether it’s a quick trip to the mall or a weekend getaway — remember these simple safety guidelines. Because when it comes to summer driving, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Stay cool, stay cautious, and enjoy the sunny season responsibly.
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