DRIVING SAFELY IN THE UAE
You go out on the streets of the UAE, and one common thing you see is vehicles. Roads packed with vehicles. It’s a well-known fact that the majority of the population in Dubai knows how to drive; everyone who is over 18 years of age probably possesses a driver’s license and roams around the roads of Dubai. However, there are many inexperienced drivers, regardless of their age, who drive carelessly and recklessly. You may be a careful driver, but that doesn’t mean everyone is. Being an attentive driver means that you should focus not only on your driving but also on the safety of other drivers and pedestrians. Here are some tips that can help you become a safer driver, which is essential for your well-being and the safety of others on the road.
Distance
It’s an absolute fact that distance must be maintained between cars this message has been emphasized over and over again to ensure the safety of everyone driving on the road. According to the Dubai police, tailgating caused 42 deaths in the UAE in 2015. That’s an immense amount! Violating the rules can result in a Dh400 fine and four black points. Road experts still don’t know why motorists don’t maintain distance even though it can allow enough scope for speed adjustment and sudden breaks in case of emergencies without harming the other drivers. Even when there’s slow-moving traffic, keeping a “safe distance” between the other cars is always safe. We’ve all heard of “The 3-second rule”; it’s a part of our childhood. Well, applying this rule on the road can help a lot. This allows drivers to be well-prepared and in control of their vehicles during emergencies or sudden surprises on the road. Most people will try to fit in the spaces you are leaving, to be safe, and to recreate that distance again. it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to driving.
Follow Traffic Signs
Eliminate Distractions
This is quite common. You’ve got to AVOID any distractions. Lifting your hands from the steering wheel can affect you greatly. A recent report confirms that texting while driving has officially become the UAE’s primary cause of road accidents. It is continuously reminded NOT to check your mobile phone or any other kind of distraction. If it is important, park your car on the roadside and make your phone call. Furthermore, avoid listening to loud music and eating while driving. These actions can distract you easily.
By avoiding distractions that can hinder your driving while driving, you are eliminating the risk of any accident. It only takes a split second to get into an accident. Always stay vigilant focused and alert while driving so you can have a smooth and safe journey. Safety should always be your top priority while behind the steering wheel.
Undertaking
While it is illegal to do this in the UAE, there will always be some people who are habitually overtaking, so always check your blind spots and side mirrors when changing lanes or pulling into a slip road. Make sure to use your light indicators to signal your intentions to other drivers on the road. This simple action can prevent misunderstandings and potential accidents.
Avoid driving near trucks
It is generally an excellent strategy to stay as far away from them as possible. They are loud, have blowouts of smoke, and generally do not quickly realize if you are travelling alongside or behind them. It takes them ages to stop, and avoiding them is in your best interest. Trucks have huge bodies and large blind spots, which makes it difficult for them to see smaller vehicles nearby. keep a safe distance from trucks and avoid driving in their blind spots, you can greatly reduce the risk of being involved in an accident.
Changing lanes
This is a very old habit that most of the drivers misuse the indicators. Well, some leave indicators on when there is no need to, and some don’t even turn them on while changing lanes. This doesn’t help you or the other drivers, probably because you are not showing them your intentions. Driving in the UAE is all about vigilance and keeping good habits Continuously checking your rare-view and side-view mirrors should be what you should be doing. Failure to follow this rule can result in a fine of Dh200 and 3 black points, making it one of the top traffic offences in the country.
Some drivers do not allow others to change lanes, even if they signal their intentions. This is also a dangerous offence that can lead to a fine of Dh200. It is important to remember that driving is a shared responsibility, and we should be courteous to others on the road. Being aware of our surroundings, following traffic rules, and yielding to other drivers when necessary can prevent accidents and keep everyone safe.
Let’s all work together to create a safer driving environment in the UAE. By doing our part, we can ensure smooth and safe traffic flow for everyone.
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Defensive and aggressive driving
Youngsters are more prone to aggressive driving, which involves breaking traffic rules and crossing the speed limit; they mainly do it for fun. Well, this isn’t so much fun for your guardians, who clean up the mess you make. It isn’t a good idea and not only puts your life at risk but also triggers the anger of other drivers, resulting in a conflict. Defensive driving is the total opposite of aggressive driving, involving driving calmly, following all the rules, maintaining a safe distance, and keeping cool in a traffic jam. Try to do defensive driving only, as it will not only help It is always wise to prioritize safety over speed and arrive a few minutes late rather than risking your life and the lives of others on the road. Stay courteous and vigilant behind the wheel to make the roads safer for everyone.
Pedestrian Crossing
No matter how urgent your situation is, you must always remain aware of the fact that pedestrians have priority. Drive safely and respect the rights of pedestrians on the road. Halt the car and give way to the pedestrians stepping onto the pedestrian crossing. Violating this principle will result in a fine of Dh500 and six black points. Stopping at the pedestrian crossing will also cost you a Dh500 fine. By abiding by the traffic rules and being mindful of pedestrians, you contribute to creating a safer environment for everyone on the road.
Driving In Bad weather
The weather of UAE is normally dry but with climate change and global warming, UAE has witnessed more rains and storms these years. So it’s important to stay vigilant and keep track of the weather if there is any chance of rain. While driving in the rain you have to keep in mind a few factors. Due to rain roads tend to be slippery and visibility gets low, so try to keep a safe distance drive slowly and use car windscreen wipers continuously. If roads are flooded with rainwater avoid driving through them as it can be dangerous you can get stuck in the middle of the road. Try to find an alternative route which is dry or wait for water to recede. In recent rains, lots of car drivers got stuck on the roads and had to be rescued.
Driving under the influence of Alcohol
Driving under the influence (DUI) in Dubai is prohibited by the UAE driving Law. Driving while drunk can pose a huge danger to you and other drivers on the road. Dubai government has a zero-tolerance policy for drunk driving. A drunk driver can get a fine of 20k which can land him in jail. If you are drunk it’s best to hire a taxi or ask a friend to give pick and drop. Even if you are not that much drunk and you think you can drive a car still you should completely avoid it. Laws are put in place for our safety so we should do our utmost effort to obey them. Even a small amount of alcohol can impair your ability to drive safely, putting yourself and others at risk.
Jumping Red Light
A red light means you have to stop at the traffic signal and need to wait till it turns green. Running a red light is considered a severe offence and can result in fatal collisions. Therefore, Dubai traffic laws have strict penalties for those who fail to obey traffic signals. You can get a Dh50,000 fine, a 30-day vehicle impoundment and 23 black points on the driver’s licence. Running a red light not only puts your life in danger but also endangers the lives of pedestrians and other drivers. It’s always best to wait for a few minutes at the traffic light to avoid disasters.
OverSpeeding
Overspeeding is the most common cause of accidents. The government has laid very strict laws to control speeding violations. speeding fines start at AED 1,000 and can go up to AED 3,000, along with black points on the license and vehicle confiscation for up to 60 days. It is crucial to be aware of the different speed limits for highways, urban roads, and small suburban roads in Dubai. Also, pay attention to speed signs on the road and follow the speed limit to avoid hefty fines. It is always better to be a little late than risking your life or other lives and paying fines.
Seat Belt
Everyone should make a habit of wearing a seatbelt while in a car not only the driver but also all passengers in your vehicle should wear seat belts. While driving anything can happen in just minutes and you don’t even get time to be careful or ready. It’s been proven that those who wear seatbelts have a lower risk of injuries as compared to those who are not wearing them. This is the most important tip for driving safely on the roads of the UAE.
Follow these rules, and you can ensure your safety on the road and drive the roads of the UAE peacefully. Following these tips will not just save you from any unexpected injuries, but it also save your beloved car.