Abu Dhabi crash hero: Driver stops SUV sideways to shield seven people, as police release footage and road safety warning

Abu Dhabi: A video posted by Abu Dhabi Police sparked widespread reaction and great praise from followers for the chivalry of a sports utility vehicle (SUV) driver who saved the lives of onlookers at a traffic accident site by intercepting a speeding vehicle with his car. Abu Dhabi Police confirmed in a statement that the driver sustained moderate injuries as a result of the accident, which was caused by a series of previous accidents caused by distraction and sudden stopping in the middle of the road. Specifically, Abu Dhabi Police, in cooperation with the Monitoring and Control Centre, broadcast a video documenting a series of consecutive accidents resulting from being distracted, and suddenly stopping in the middle of the road. The video showed the accident, which occurred during the night, involving several vehicles. Some people got out of their cars and onto the road to warn oncoming drivers and prevent them from colliding with the parked vehicles. Meanwhile, the SUV driver quickly stopped his vehicle sideways in front of more than seven people who were gathered and involved in the first accident, using his vehicle as a barrier to protect them, which prevented them from being run over by a speeding vehicle coming from behind. While many wondered with great concern about the health of the gallant driver and the rest of the parties involved in the accident, especially after video footage showed his vehicle being subjected to a violent side and rear impact from the speeding vehicle coming from behind, Abu Dhabi Police confirmed that he suffered moderate injuries. The followers' reaction focused mainly on this heroic act, which they described as a noble and clever move, as they saw that the driver put his life and vehicle in imminent danger when he stopped his car sideways to block the vehicle and prevent it from running over the people gathered and involved in the first accident. There were also widespread requests to honour him for his humanitarian sacrifice. UAE resident Saif bin Nayef posted a comment under the video: “If it weren’t for God’s grace and then this man’s sacrifice, at least five lives would have been lost.” Another commenter, Salem Al-Khaldi, stated: “The [SUV] driver sacrificed his car to protect people… May God reward him.” Ahlam Mohammed said: “May God reward him and compensate him. Some people have composure and good judgment in crises. Thank God he is safe and everyone is safe.” An account holder named Mohammed Al-Balushi said: “Thank God for their safety. The driver of the station wagon is a capable and intelligent person. I hope he is rewarded with a new car.” For its part, the Abu Dhabi Police Traffic and Patrols Directorate emphasised that distractions while driving, and stopping in the middle of the road for any emergency, pose a significant danger to road users. It urged drivers to continue to the nearest exit or safe location whenever possible, to ensure their own safety and the safety of others. The Directorate explained that if a vehicle cannot be moved, drivers should immediately contact the Command and Control Centre (999) for assistance. This will contribute to a swift response to the situation, reduce the occurrence of serious and dangerous accidents, and maintain the smooth flow of traffic. It also urged drivers to maintain full focus while driving, avoid distractions, and be prepared to deal with any traffic emergency, stressing that attention and vigilance contribute to avoiding surprises on the road and making the right decision at the right time.