Why visibility on KAUST roads matters
Driving at dusk and dawn (sunrise and sunset) presents unique challenges, resulting in increased risks and the potential for serious injuries. Whether you are a jogger or pedestrian, drive a car, or use alternative modes of transport, such as e-scooters or bicycles, here are reminders about traveling safely at dusk and dawn.
Why is road use at dusk and dawn an increased safety risk?
- The sun can cause glare that can make it harder to see the road and other road users.
- At dusk, your eyes must adapt to the changing brightness level, and it may become more challenging to recognize threats to safety.
- Visibility may be reduced due to a lack of natural light, and it may not be dark enough for vehicle headlights to be 100% effective.
- For drivers experiencing natural age-related changes in vision, the visibility at dusk and dawn may be especially challenging.
How to increase your visibility to other road users
Cars, trucks, busses and golf carts
- Ensure the lights on your vehicle work and are maintained periodically.
- From dusk to dawn and in any other circumstances when visibility is inadequate (e.g. during bad weather) drivers must use vehicle headlamps to increase their visibility.
- Use vehicle headlamps in parking lots and other places with poor visibility. For golf carts, this includes the utility tunnels.
- Drivers of cars with window tinting should be aware that it can reduce the visibility of other drivers and pedestrians.
- During sandstorms, avoid driving whenever possible. If you must drive, remember that a slower speed is safer, and keep the vehicle headlights on and windows closed.
Pedestrian and joggers
- At night, or any time that the visibility is poor, use well-lit areas and be visible to other road users by wearing reflective clothing and avoiding dark-colored clothing.
Alternative modes of transport, including scooters, motorcycles, bicycles, e-bikes and e-scooters
- Ensure the lights on your vehicle work properly without flickering and are maintained periodically.
- From dusk to dawn, all riders must have a working white light mounted on the bike, visible to the front, and a working red light mounted and clearly visible to the rear. Riders can further increase their visibility during the daytime by using a working front and back light, as described above.
- Wear reflective clothing and avoid dark-colored clothing so you can increase your safety by being visible to other road users.
Please watch this short video with additional road safety tips for driving at dusk and dawn.
Thank you for Keeping KAUST Safe. See and Be Seen on KAUST roads.
For questions or comments, please contact hse@kaust.edu.sa
