Abu Dhabi: Don’t text Eid greeting messages to family and friends while driving and avoid surfing social media sites while at the wheel, the Ministry of Interior warned motorists on Thursday.
The ministry also sought to warn motorists that taking photographs while driving is a violation of road safety laws that could easily cause accidents.
The ministry urged all motorists to respect traffic rules and speed limits in the interest of memorable Eid celebrations and their personal safety and that of others.
Using mobile phones or any other distraction while driving can invite a fine of Dh800 and four traffic points.
Brigadier Gaith Hassan Al Za’abi, Director General of Traffic Coordination Department at the ministry, warned of the dangers of texting Eid greetings and surfing social media sites while at the wheel.
Traffic guidelines
He emphasised the importance of following traffic guidelines, especially around commercial areas to avoid putting the lives of others at risk, using the indicator while changing direction, leaving appropriate distance between vehicles, and parking in the right areas in public parking lots.
Brigadier Al Za’abi said that, during holidays, police make special efforts to ensure smooth traffic, reduce traffic jams and deal with emergencies.
The ministry called on drivers not to use parking spots allocated for civil defence personnel and ambulances and to stick to the speed limits, especially on external roads. It also urged motorists to ensure that children under ten years of age were not allowed to sit in the front passenger seat of vehicles.
Abu Dhabi Police, meanwhile, have warned residents to avoid bursting firecrackers. Brigadier Salem Al Beloushi, Director of Weapons and Explosives Department of Abu Dhabi Police, urged parents to keep an eye on their children and not to allow them to obtain firecrackers for their own safety and the safety of others.
Inflammable substances
Police have asked residents to report any incidents involving the use of firecrackers and avoid storing such inflammable substances.
Brigadier Ali Khalfan Al Daheri, Director of Central Operations Section of Abu Dhabi Police, said, “Abu Dhabi Police are fully ready to ensure safety and security of the locals and residents during the Eid Al Adha celebrations and urge motorists to follow traffic rules.”
