QHSE Bulletin

Issue No. 06
Page 1 of 2

ADVERSE WEATHER – DUST STORMS

Strong wind, lots of dust and low visibility – the

country has been witnessing some adverse weather
conditions in the past few weeks.
Dust storms are common in Qatar and usually occur
between June and September. Dust storms can create
dangerous, sometimes even deadly driving conditions
and sometimes reduce visibility to zero. Dust storms
usually last only a few minutes, but the actions a
motorist takes during the storm may be the most
important of his or her life.
The effect and danger of a dust storm or heavy wind is not only witnessed in those few minutes of the storm
happening itself but can extend the danger much further due to the accumulation of sand and other debris on
the roads that pile up on the wake of a dust storm or heavy wind. Driving on such sand pile ups can be
dangerous as one can lose the control of the vehicle leading to accidents.

Sand patches on the road leading to RasLaffan from Sand on Al Wakra Road (which can be dangerous while
Alkhor using the fast track)
 QHSE Bulletin
Issue No. 06
Page 1 of 2

Safety Tips while driving in Dust Storms:

1. If dense dust is observed blowing across or approaching a roadway, pull your vehicle off the
pavement as far as possible, stop, turn off lights, set the emergency brake, take your foot off the
brake pedal to be sure the tail lights are not illuminated to ensure other cars do not follow you off
the road and hit your vehicle.
2. Don't enter the dust storm area if you can avoid it.
3. If you can't pull off the roadway, proceed at a speed suitable for visibility, turn on lights. Use the
painted center line to help guide you. Look for a safe place to pull off the roadway.
4. Never stop on the traveled portion of the roadway.

Safety Tips while driving on sand patches on roads:

1. Slow down when you approach a sand patch on the road, provide the appropriate signal to the
traffic behind you.
2. Avoid the sand patches if it is possible to do so.
3. When you do have to go over a patch of sand, the key is to keep it slow and smooth, avoiding
abrupt accelerating or brake inputs.
4. Ensure both the hands are on the steering especially when driving over a sand patch.
5. If you notice that one or more tires start spinning get off the accelerator pedal immediately.
6. Never stop on the traveled portion of the roadway.

SAFE DRIVE……SAVE LIVES