UAE | Traffic and Transport
Rules of driving in the UAE
Speeding and tailgating are some of the major reasons behind accidents in the country.
- By Fatma Salem, Staff Reporter
- Published: 22:48 October 2, 2009
- Image Credit: Francois Nel/Gulf News
- During the past year, speeding claimed 375 victims who were killed or disabled.
Dubai: Traffic on UAE roads, particularly Dubai's is increasingly becoming a major issue for commuters. Following simple security and courtesy rules can make the roads safer and more user-friendly.
Speeding jeopardises the lives of all road users. During the past year speeding claimed 375 victims who were killed or disabled.
Speeding is also linked to serious traffic offences such as maintaining insufficient distances between vehicles, failure to keep in the lane, running red lights due to inability to stop in time when the traffic signals change. All these lead to offences and serious traffic accidents. Speed limits are clearly mentioned and must be respected. Driving slowly in the fast lane is also dangerous.
Driving fast behind others cars and flashing headlights at them as well as switching from lane to lane and overtaking are dangerous practices that can lead to accidents and fines.
Drivers and passengers must wear their safety belts. Failing to buckle up leads to a fine. For safety reasons, children must be placed in the backseat and it is always preferable that infants are kept in special car seats instead of in another person's lap.
The use of a mobile phone while driving is illegal and dangerous. It is always advisable to use a hands-free kit or a headset while driving.
When sirens are heard, drivers must always remember that someone is in danger and the police, ambulance or fire trucks are on their way to save a life. Drivers should always give way as soon as possible.
Accidents are one of the biggest causes of blockages on highways. Drivers should not stop or reduce speed to look at a traffic accident out of curiosity. In case of involvement in a light accident, drivers should clear the way to avoid danger and traffic obstruction and head to the nearest police station.
Drivers should stop for pedestrians and respect their rights at pedestrian crossings. On the other hand, pedestrians must use the designated zebra crossings when crossing the road.
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