Traffic authorities across the UAE have increased the scrutiny of motorists to minimize the risk of dangerous road situations during the ongoing rainy season. Heavy rains have been predicted in different parts of the UAE in the coming days, which can potentially increase the occurrence of dangerous road situations if motorists ignore safe driving practices.
While the rainy season can excite the photographer in you, it is important to know that taking pictures of rain while driving can make you face hefty penalties in Abu Dhabi. Authorities have warned motorists against taking pictures or using their mobile phone for any other purpose while driving in heavy rain.
Abu Dhabi Police urges drivers to be cautious during rainfalls, And for your saftey and for the safety of others on the road, Please do not be distracted by taking any videos or using your phone.
— شرطة أبوظبي (@ADPoliceHQ) October 30, 2018
Details of the Warning Issued by Authorities
Motorists have been cautioned by authorities to be careful while driving in heavy rain and avoid indulging in activities that can take their attention away from the road. Using mobile phone while driving is one of the most frequently committed dangerous traffic violations in Abu Dhabi and to make motorists more responsible for their actions, authorities have now taken a tougher stance against motorists who use their mobile phone to take pictures of rain while driving.
The warning issued by Abu Dhabi Police on its Instagram account reads, “Enjoy the weather… but be careful. Please avoid filming the rain while driving as this is a danger to you and other drivers on the road.”
Many drivers don’t feel comfortable driving in heavy rain, which can increase their vulnerability to committing dangerous driving mistakes. New and inexperienced drivers, in particular, can commit dangerous driving mistakes in heavy rain such as applying sudden brakes, changing lanes without indicating and tailgating. Motorists need to maintain 100% attention on the road so that they can deal with any emergency situation timely and carefully.
According to the warning issued by authorities, motorists can face hefty penalties for taking pictures of rain under the traffic rule that levies penalties on motorists for using a mobile phone while driving.
Also read: Safe Practices for Driving in the UAE’s Bad Weather
Penalties for Using a Mobile Phone While Driving
Using a mobile phone while driving can be dangerous, regardless of the weather conditions. However, the risk of a dangerous road accident increases tremendously when motorists commit this violation on wet roads. This is the reason why authorities have warned motorists against taking pictures while driving in heavy rain.
According to the Article 32 of the Traffic Law, motorists will face a fine of AED 800 and 4 black points will be issued against their driving license for using a mobile phone while driving to take pictures of rain or for any other purpose. This is a serious traffic offence that can lead to a dangerous collision between multiple vehicles in heavy traffic.
Why Taking Pictures of Rain while driving is Dangerous?
Wet roads, low visibility and vulnerable drivers are amongst the most notable challenges that motorists can possibly face while driving in heavy rain. The available traction decreases considerably on wet roads, which limits the reaction time for motorists to respond to an emergency situation. Poor visibility can add to the difficulties of driving in heavy rain while vulnerability of inexperienced drivers remains one of the biggest safety concerns.
In such circumstances, taking pictures of rain or using a mobile phone for any other purpose can divert a driver’s attention, which can prove to have dangerous consequences on a busy road. The failure of a driver to quickly respond to an emergency situation can result in a serious road accident involving multiple vehicles. This is the reason why motorists should always remain attentive to maneuver their vehicles safely in heavy rain.
Also read: Heavy Rains Cause Traffic Problems across Dubai
Bottom-line
Heavy rains are predicated in Abu Dhabi and across other emirate of the UAE for coming days. Motorists should adopt a defensive driving approach and maintain attention on the road while driving in such weather conditions. Any distractions including the use of a mobile phone while driving or talking to passengers in the vehicle should be avoided at all costs. Even a minor lapse in concentration can result in a fatal road accident on waterlogged roads, which is why motorists should follow traffic rules and be extra cautious to drive safely in heavy rains.
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