Watch: Sharjah hit-and-run driver caught within 6 hours after 3-car crash

Sharjah: A driver who fled the scene after causing a three-vehicle collision on Airport Road was apprehended in under six hours, Sharjah Police announced on Saturday.

The accident occurred when the driver made a sudden and unauthorised lane change at high speed, triggering a chain-reaction crash involving three vehicles. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

“This kind of reckless behavior, especially on high-speed roads where limits can reach up to 120 km/h, poses a direct threat to the lives of road users,” said Colonel Mohammed Abdullah Allay, Director of the Traffic and Patrols Department at Sharjah Police. “Sudden lane deviation is among the most dangerous causes of traffic accidents.”

According to Colonel Allay, the driver was identified and apprehended within hours, thanks to the integration of smart systems and an extensive camera surveillance network. These technologies enabled authorities to track the fleeing vehicle and confirm the driver’s identity, who now faces legal consequences.

“Fleeing the scene of an accident is a criminal offense under UAE law,” Allay added. “It reflects a serious disregard for the safety of others and a lack of both legal and moral responsibility.”

Under UAE Federal Traffic Law, hit-and-run drivers may face up to one year in prison, a fine ranging between Dh50,000 and Dh100,000, or both. These penalties are classified as major traffic violations.

Huda Ata is an independent writer based in the UAE