Accident viewers to face penalties

Dubai: Action will be taken against motorists who stop to take pictures at accident sites if a complaint is made about them, police said.

To the horror of many drivers, an increasing trend is emerging in which spectators gather at accident sites to stare at the carnage and take pictures.

Now police have said they will investigate if their behaviour is complained about by fellow motorists.

Captain Ahmad Al Haj of Dubai Police urged residents to always follow road etiquette and also warned spectators they would be punished if their cars caused a traffic hazard or relatives of the casualties complained.

He said: "The first priority of the police at an accident site is to deal with the accident itself. But the police can and will take action against those who disrupt their work," said Captain Al Haj.

Just watching

At any accident site in Dubai, a large numbers often gather around. While some provide initial help until police appear, others park their cars on hard shoulders just to watch the proceedings. Many also tend to pull out their mobile cameras and snap pictures, some even while driving.

Captain Al Haj said passers-by are not only a hindrance to the traffic police doing their work efficiently, but could also cause accidents.

"Many drivers slow down to watch the happenings or to take pictures. They are distracted and do not pay attention to their own driving which can lead to other accidents."

Captain Al Haj added that residents too have a right to file complaints against those who create hazard at accident sites.

"If anyone feels that another person is creating a traffic problem by stopping at the accidents sites, they can call 999 to file a complaint," said Captain Al Haj.

He added that victims, who found pictures of their traumatic accidents either posted up on the internet or sold to newspapers, were also entitled to file complaints with Dubai Police.