Distracted driving is one of the major reasons behind fatal road accidents in the UAE. A distracted driver can commit many dangerous violations such as jumping the red signal, violating speed limits and sudden swerving, which can increase the risk of a fatal road accident.
There are different types of distractions that motorists need to avoid while driving. These distractions include using a mobile phone while driving, talking to other passengers and eating or drinking something while driving. In a nutshell, any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from road is considered a distraction.
Distracted driving must be avoided at all costs as the road accidents caused by distracted drivers can mostly prove to have fatal consequences.
Understanding what makes Distracted Driving Dangerous
Distracted driving can be seriously dangerous on a busy road as a distracted driver not only puts his own life at risk but also the lives of other commuters. As mentioned previously, distracted drivers can commit several dangerous violations at a time, which can increase the risk of a fatal collision involving multiple vehicles.
Distracted drivers can disturb other drivers with their reckless driving behavior. For instance, a distracted driver might slow down in a fast lane suddenly, resulting in a horrific backend crash with a fast-approaching vehicle. Such a lapse in concentration can cause a dangerous road accident, particularly in the peak traffic hours.
As a result of increasing instances of road accidents caused by distracted drivers, traffic authorities have adopted a tougher stance and increased the surveillance of roads to nab down distracted drivers more effectively.
Traffic Stats About Distracted Driving
According to traffic stats of 2018, distractions while driving caused several road accidents in which 59 people lost their lives and 495 were seriously injured. Most of the distracted drivers were also involved in sudden swerving, which is another major reason behind fatal road accidents in the UAE.
According to Police, as many as 88,619 fines were issued to the drivers for using a mobile phone while driving while 4,184 fines were issued for other distractions in 2018.
Abu Dhabi Police is carrying out a year-long campaign to make motorists aware of the risks of distracted driving. The dangers of distracted driving cannot be ignored and authorities are trying tirelessly to make motorists realize their responsibilities. Abu Dhabi Police has issued a strict warning against distracted drivers and advised them to avoid all distractions while driving.
Penalties for Distracted Driving
Motorists can face serious penalties for distracted driving in the UAE. It is important to note that motorists can be booked for multiple violations at the same time if they are found involved in distracted driving. The penalties for distracted driving include a hefty fine of AED 800 and four black points issued against the license of the offender.
Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving
There are some useful tips that motorists can follow to avoid distractions while driving. Fundamentally, motorists need to bring a much-needed change to their mindset and avoid committing driving mistakes that can be easily prevented.
Here are the tips that motorists should follow to avoid dangerous road situations caused by distracted driving:
- Don’t drive if you are drowsy as lack of rest or improper sleep timings can seriously affect a driver’s attention on the road. Motorists must take a rest break and pull off at a convenient place whenever they feel drowsy.
- Keep your phone away and try to make the necessary calls or messages before getting behind the wheel. In an emergency, motorists must first park their vehicle safely to a roadside and then attend calls.
- Take meals before driving and avoid eating or drinking anything while driving.
- Limit the level of activity inside the vehicle and ask other passengers to avoid activities that can distract you while driving.
- Always give yourself a cushion of few extra minutes to reach your destination as getting late can panic drivers, which can affect their attention while driving.
These are the essential tips that motorists can follow to avoid distractions while driving. Distracted driving can cause dangerous road accidents and it must be avoided at all costs. It is the responsibility of motorists to follow traffic rules and develop a careful driving approach as this is the only way to avoid hefty traffic fines and other penalties in the UAE.
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