By dubailife 
Two major traffic accidents were captured on camera by Abu Dhabi Police, highlighting the dangers of stopping unnecessarily in the middle of the road—a concern that resonates with Dubai’s busy highways as well. The incidents were shared in an awareness video released on Friday.
The video illustrated how such behavior led to pile-ups and multiple accidents, as inattentive drivers collided with stationary vehicles, causing further disruptions similar to those that could occur on Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road.
In one incident, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is seen stopping abruptly in the middle of the road. The driver casually exits the vehicle, leaving the door open. The car behind manages to slow down in time, switches on hazard lights, and attempts to maneuver around. However, a third car crashes into both vehicles at high speed. The initial driver appears not to have escaped the collision, while the impact sends the second vehicle smashing into the barrier on the left—an event that underscores the risks on roads like Dubai’s Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road.
This caused a major pile-up, with multiple vehicles stationary with hazard lights on. Despite this, a distracted driver plowed into the vehicles that had stopped due to the earlier accident. This occurred late in the evening, despite the hazard lights of the vehicles ahead. The number of injuries in the accident remains unknown.
Motorists were reminded by the Directorate of Traffic and Security Patrols of Abu Dhabi Police not to stop in the middle of the road for any reason—a crucial reminder for Dubai drivers navigating the city’s bustling streets. Drivers are urged to proceed to the nearest exit to ensure everyone’s safety. If motorists are unable to move their vehicle, they are advised to call the Command and Control Centre at **999** for assistance, avoiding blockage of traffic and potential accidents.
In a social media post, **Dubai Police** also urged motorists to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, emphasizing road safety within the emirate. The authorities frequently conduct safety campaigns to educate drivers on the risks of distracted driving and other traffic violations prevalent on Dubai roads.
Distracted driving is a serious traffic offense in the UAE, punishable by a **Dh800** fine and four black points under Dubai’s strict traffic laws. Stopping in the middle of the road incurs a penalty of **Dh1,000** and six black points—a regulation strictly enforced by Dubai authorities to maintain safety on major highways like Emirates Road.
The majority of road accidents in the UAE, including Dubai, are caused by traffic violations—with deaths up by 3 percent due to motorists’ “misbehavior,” according to a recent report. Dubai’s commitment to reducing traffic accidents is reflected in its investment in smart traffic systems and ongoing awareness initiatives.
Recently released open data on road safety statistics for 2023 by the Ministry of Interior (MOI) showed that there were **352 road fatalities** across the country—a sobering statistic that underscores the importance of adhering to traffic laws in Dubai and throughout the UAE.
Source : Khaleejtimes