The Ministry of Interior (MoI) yesterday advised all inhabitants of Qatar to exercise due caution, especially while driving, in view of the ongoing rainy spell.
The Qatar Met department has forecast rain and winds until tomorrow evening due to a prevailing low pressure system. Large parts of the country, including Doha, received rain yesterday and similar conditions are likely to continue today.
In view of this, the MoI - through an advisory on its Facebook page - has urged people to take necessary precautions and be extra careful while driving to ensure everyone’s safety.
The road surface becomes slippery due to the rain and this may result in skidding, the advisory notes, adding that it may also lead to a loss of control over vehicles.
The MoI has provided a slew of tips for motorists to avoid any dangerous situations on the road.
These include maintaining a safe distance between vehicles, reducing speed during rain and not taking risks such as driving through waterlogged roads as a motorist will not be aware of the depth of the affected section and other obstacles therein.
The advisory has also urged motorists to avoid sudden braking as it may result in skidding and loss of control over a vehicle.
Motorists should concentrate on driving and not engage in acts that may cause a distraction. Besides, they should ensure that indicators and lights are working properly as these are means of communicating with other road users.
Windshield wipers play a key role in ensuring proper visibility while driving in rain and should be used accordingly. If visibility becomes very low, motorists should take the car away from the traffic lanes and stop to ensure their safety and that of others.
Also, motorists should ensure that the tyres are in good condition and inflated to the right pressure level.
The MoI has also stressed that the use of hazard lights while driving in the rain - a common occurrence - is an incorrect practice. These lights are to be used only for emergency stopping due to any hazard or a problem in the vehicle.