UAE | Traffic and Transport

Dh400, four black points for safe distance violation

Motorist driving at 40 kmph should keep a safe distance of 35 metres, or length of 7 cars

By Siham Al Najami and Nahda S. Abdullah, Staff reporters
Published: 16:03 December 20, 2009

Image Credit: Devadasan/Gulf News
Traffic along Deira Clock Roundabout

Image 1 of 2: 1 2

Dubai: Motorists violating the safe distance traffic rule will be fined Dh 400 and slapped with four black points on the spot, in an effort to curb the increase in fatalities, said a senior police official.

During a press conference to raise awareness about traffic rules and regulations, Lieutenant Colonal Ali Ganim, Director of Bur Dubai Police Station pointed out the importance of abiding by the safe distance rule as it has contributed to an increase in fatalities.

According to him, 185 accidents were reported in 2007 which resulted in 17 deaths while in 2009 the number of accidents dropped to 139 but witnessed a rise in fatalities reaching to 32 within the first 10 months only.

“Not maintaining enough distance between vehicles is considered one of the highest causes of minor and severe accidents in Dubai. We have especially launched the awareness campaign during the winter season due to the increase in such accidents,” he said.

Statistics revealed by Dubai Police Traffic Department indicated that over 43,200 accidents for not keeping safe distance between vehicles were recorded since the beginning of 2009.

The awareness campaign, which lasts for about 10 days kicked off on Sunday, will extensively educate the public through different mediums on the safe distance rule.

Speed (km/hr)	Safe distance(Meters)	Length in vehicles
40	35	7
60	52	10
70	62	13
80	69	14
90	76	15
100	90	18
120	104	21

Send us your comments

Do you think black points and financial penalties are effective in stopping motorists from tailgaiting? Or is stricter action needed to tackle the issue? Add your thoughts below.

Comments (71)

Added 13:09 December 22, 2009

I suggest as a driver on roads of Dubai that RTA should instead think of cutting down traffic by operating SALIK for free in non traffic hours so that not so rich people (majority) of Dubai drivers can use the alternate routes to cut down traffic congestions on free routes opertational at the moment. This will surely help reducing accidents on ease out congestion which happens due to diversion to SALIK free routes.

Anonymous, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 13:04 December 22, 2009

This is not possible in Dubai. Suppose when you are driving keeeping safe distance suddenly another driver can come in between. Police can fine both drivers. So even you keep the distance will get a fine. The same way police are giving fine now if you are coming to middle of longline in order to make a Uturn. Suppose if you are starting your ride from the middle, you have to go back to get the line. Please think practical difficulty before giving a fine. But give fine to who is changing the line without indicators and trobling other drivers.

Anonymous, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 12:59 December 22, 2009

My first suggestion is make this rule for Two Second Rule from Tree Second Rule and seriously implement it and make sure every one follows other wise if I try to follow I will never reach home as many cars will come in front of my car because there is a space.

Sunil Ingawale, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 12:09 December 22, 2009

Did anyone notice how a lot of people yesterday afternoon onwards were attempting to leave more space between each car. It was a welcome change. But as usual the hot headed young drivers in their massive 4x4s are tail gating behind you, flashing their lights and horning for you to get out of their way. And if you do not comply within the first few secs, they overtake you with an agressive roar of the their engine then pull right in front of you in attempt to scare you by thinking you could have just crashed into them. That still happens, but otherwise i find this new rule a better initiative than alot of the other rules. I hope UAE police as a whole keep to this rule, not just Dubai police, because then it doesn't make sense

Hamza Al Hamid, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 11:37 December 22, 2009

Its not really sensible to come up with such ideas, one can leave a safe distance but 35m on 40kmph its something thats not going to work. Anyways Good Luck to RTA !!

Sanjay, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 11:32 December 22, 2009

While the idea seems good and essential, I don't think it will work in Dubai. I've been driving for 10 years here and the motto seems to be "If you can't beat them, join them" or better still, "In Rome do as the Romans do". As we have learned during classes, saying out loud, thousand and one, thousand and two, thousand and three, is better than counting 1,2,3, seconds. First of all, on a 100 or 120 kmph road, driving at 60-70 kmph on the fast track should be banned. It is because of people like them, who don't even care to look up at the rear view mirror to move, because they are busy on the phone, that tailgating and flashing lights start. If I were to keep 21 cars distance, be sure that somehow 30 cars would fit in. Awareness is the key.

Winston, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 11:24 December 22, 2009

Last year i had sent a letter to you commenting on how unsafe Dubai driving is,and a year later i see,no change in chaotic driving. Police actions are good,but will have limited success,due to speed limits and unsafe distances which are main cause,and hence may be ineffective. Wthin the older city max 5o kmph limit,and max 80 kmph on overhead passes and newer connections to newer city parts will work. Drivers can take corrective actions,in time, and save damages,at lower speeds. It may cause some small jams but with coordinated traffic signals and CCTV surveillance, it will bring more order and safety to city. Another good option is to leave cars and take the new metro routes ! Is it not better to be safe than sorry?

Anonymous, Mumbai, India

Added 10:30 December 22, 2009

Another brilliant and life-saving rule which will never be fully enforced - simply because it is not practical in a city like Dubai where tailgating means 'get out of the way' for the drivers of the fastest and biggest cars.

Vijin, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 10:25 December 22, 2009

If we keep a safe distance, so many cars would come inside the gap this not good idea. RTA can consider the SALIK after 9pm (because no traffic after 9pm)

Syed, Abu dhabi, India

Added 10:21 December 22, 2009

If I were to leave a 15-car length distance between me and the next car, you can be absolutely sure that at least 10 cars would cut in front of me and take up the space. I might eventually end up driving in reverse trying to keep the prescribed distance from the car in front of me!

Farid, Dubai, United Arab Emirates