Be warned: Tailgaters to be fined Dh400

Motorists violating the 'safe distance' traffic rule will receive four black points and a fine of Dh400, said a senior police official.

This is part of the 'Leave a Safe Distance' campaign launched by the General Traffic Department of Dubai Police, in cooperation with Al Jazeera University.

Major-General Mohammed Saif Al Zafeen, Director of General Traffic Department, advised road users to drive on the middle or right lanes and avoid the fast lane to be on the safe side.  
 

Maj Gen Al Zafeen explained that the ideal distance between two vehicles driving at 40kph should be 35 metres - equivalent to the length of seven vehicles. If the speed is 80km, the distance is 69metres - equivalent to the length of 14 vehicles. If the speed is 100km, the distance be 90 metres - equivalent to the length of 18 vehicles; cars speeding at 120km should leave a distance of 104 metres, equal to the length of 21 vehicles. 

He added that “the driver must take a decision of having a safety distance in case of high speed, so as to avoid traffic accidents.

He appealed the drivers to leave the safe distance to avoid traffic accidents caused by sudden stops.

He explained “most drivers who do not leave a safety distance are often hampered by vehicles in front of them, both at peak times or at other times”.

He added “those drivers are surprised when the  traffic movement stops and they cannot control their vehicles and can’t avoid hitting the ones in front of them, or having to suddenly deviate, which may result in tragedy. These incidents lead to death or bodily injury or block traffic."

He pointed out that not leaving enough distance between vehicles is one of the most common reasons that lead to accidents. In 2010 witnessed 448 traffic accidents were caused because of this violation, which led to the death of 16 people, and 23 were seriously injured.

The inaguration ceremony of the traffic campaign was held at the headquarters of the university.

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