Abu Dhabi police warn against reckless overtaking, urge safer driving

Abu Dhabi Police have warned motorists against reckless lane-switching and improper overtaking, after 14 traffic accidents were recorded this year due to unsafe overtaking from the right or left. As part of the ongoing “Safe Journey 2” campaign, police urged drivers to avoid sudden swerving, maintain a safe following distance, and always ensure the road is clear before changing lanes or overtaking another vehicle.

Authorities emphasized the importance of using the correct lane when switching roads and always signaling when making a turn or overtaking. The campaign outlined seven essential safety guidelines to prevent accidents caused by sudden lane changes or improper overtaking, including:

Traffic surveillance cameras across the UAE continue to monitor dangerous driving behavior, with particular focus on improper overtaking. Offenses commonly include weaving between lanes, overtaking from both right and left without signaling, and erratic driving to bypass congestion.

Police say many of these violations stem from attempts to escape traffic jams on highways, city roads, and at traffic light intersections. Authorities are calling for stricter penalties for such behaviors, which pose serious risks to road users.

The campaign highlighted that vehicles caught overtaking from the right at high speed often collide with others, especially when the reckless driver fails to anticipate slower traffic ahead. In some cases, drivers weave rapidly between lanes as though in a race, resulting in devastating collisions and fatalities.

Another concerning trend involves drivers failing to use turn signals, either when merging into side roads or overtaking—leading to side-swipe collisions or rear-end crashes caused by sudden stops.

Breakdown of 2024 accidents from improper overtaking:

(Source: UAE Ministry of Interior)

According to official statistics, 48,854 violations were recorded across the UAE last year for failing to use turn signals when changing direction or making a U-turn. These violations were distributed as follows:

Additionally, 17,477 violations were issued for improper overtaking:

The Ministry of Interior and local traffic departments have also cautioned against driving below the minimum speed limit on high-speed roads, where posted limits can reach 140 km/h. Drivers going under 100 km/h on these roads create confusion and danger for others.

In 2024, a total of 409,305 violations were issued for driving below the minimum speed limit—an increase from 300,147 in 2023. These violations have been linked to several traffic accidents, according to the Ministry.

Under the previous federal traffic law, driving below the posted minimum limit, where applicable, carried a fine of AED 400. However, under the new Federal Traffic Law implemented on March 29, significant amendments have been introduced to improve road safety. The executive regulations for the updated law are expected within six months of its enactment.

Abu Dhabi Police reminded drivers to stay in the rightmost lane when driving at reduced speeds and to give way to faster vehicles approaching from behind. Slow driving in the left (overtaking) lane causes confusion, impedes traffic flow, and increases congestion, potentially resulting in accidents.

Their digital awareness campaign—broadcast across social media—outlined six critical tips:

Police also warned against tailgating and aggressive behavior in fast lanes, which can startle drivers and escalate into dangerous road rage incidents, sometimes ending in tragic accidents. Maintaining a safe following distance is essential to allow for smooth traffic flow and shared road use.