Real-Time Fog Warning System for the Abu Dhabi Emirate (UAE)

Abstract

Based on historical evidence, driving in heavy fog conditions is one of the most serious causes that lead to massive highway accidents. For example, the Abu Dhabi Dubai Highway (E10) faced two record accidents in recent times. The first accident was in March 2008 in which more than 200 vehicles were involved in a mass collision. The second was in April 2011 and it involved 130 vehicles. These two massive accidents, and several other relatively minor ones, were due to poor visibility conditions caused by dense fog. Vehicles driving at high speed suddenly enter road sectors covered by dense fog without warning and are then implicated in mass collisions. The main objective of this research is to improve road safety in Abu Dhabi when drivers face poor visibility conditions caused by dense fog. This is achieved by sending early real-time warning signals to all drivers who are about to enter poor visibility sections of the highway of the dangers ahead, using radio signals or cell phone voice-based short messages. Warning signals can also be displayed to the drivers using Changeable Message Signs (CMS) installed along the highway. The concept and architecture of a novel, modular fog warning system are