Caught on Camera: Shocking UAE crash videos warn against mobile phone use

Dubai: UAE authorities have intensified their nationwide campaign against distracted driving under the theme "Driving Without a Phone," urging motorists to put away their mobile phones and remain fully focused while behind the wheel.

Despite repeated awareness initiatives, a significant number of drivers in the UAE continue to engage with their mobile phones behind the wheel—whether to text, take calls, or browse social media—thereby endangering not only their own lives but also those of passengers, pedestrians, and other road users.

Law enforcement agencies continue to emphasise a core safety message: avoid mobile phone use while driving to protect all road users.

As part of the awareness drive, Abu Dhabi Police released actual footage of accidents caused by distracted driving.

In one clip, a speeding vehicle slams into the rear of another, triggering a chain-reaction collision.

In another, a car crashes into a vehicle on a major road, causing the driver to lose control and swerve across several lanes—disrupting traffic and creating a significant safety hazard.

"Even a momentary distraction caused by using a mobile phone can result in a major accident," Abu Dhabi Police stated on social media. "We consistently stress the importance of eliminating all distractions while driving to ensure personal and public safety."

The campaign formed part of the broader Unified Gulf Traffic Week, hosted by Sharjah Police in collaboration with the Federal Traffic Council and other strategic partners. The initiative featured a range of public engagement activities, including safety workshops, educational lectures, live demonstrations, and exhibitions of advanced traffic enforcement technologies.

In parallel, various police commands across the UAE organised localised events to reinforce road safety messages. These included distribution of educational materials, awareness lectures, panel discussions, and community forums.

The Ministry of Interior reaffirmed its commitment to conducting coordinated annual safety campaigns in partnership with GCC member states. These efforts aim to raise public awareness, highlight the risks associated with distracted driving, and promote strict adherence to traffic regulations.

The scale of the issue is evident in recent data: 648,631 violations for mobile phone use while driving were recorded across the UAE in 2024 alone. Drivers are identified either through direct observation by traffic patrols or via advanced smart surveillance systems installed nationwide.

Authorities have warned that all forms of mobile phone use—including texting, calling, photography, and video recording—while driving considerably increase the risk of accidents.

To further deter distracted driving, the UAE has implemented stringent penalties, including:

Officials continue to stress that no message, call, or photo is worth risking a life. The ongoing campaign aims to instill greater awareness and accountability among all road users to ensure safer roads across the nation.