Dubai: Dubai Police have warned drivers of the dangers of distraction while driving, particularly the use of mobile phones, stressing that failing to focus and pay attention is among the most prominent behaviours that can lead to traffic accidents and endanger road users' lives.
Brigadier Juma Salem bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Department of Traffic, said that using a mobile phone while driving is among the dangerous behaviours that directly affect a driver's ability to focus and pay attention, slowing their reaction to emergency situations and potentially leading to traffic accidents that cause human and material losses.
This came following a collision between four vehicles on Dubai–Al Ain Road, where preliminary investigations indicate that the accident occurred because one of the drivers was distracted by using the phone while driving, causing him to lose focus and leading to the crash. Two people sustained minor injuries and were provided with medical care at the scene.
The Director of the General Department of Traffic reaffirmed Dubai Police's continued commitment to awareness campaigns aimed at raising traffic awareness among drivers and reducing behaviours that cause accidents. He called on everyone to comply with traffic regulations and laws and cooperate to achieve road safety, noting that a few seconds of mobile phone distraction may be enough to cause a serious accident. He also urged drivers to keep their focus on the road at all times and to adhere to traffic rules, in order to preserve their safety and that of all road users.
Brigadier Juma bin Suwaidan called on drivers to avoid using mobile phones, refrain from making calls, reading messages, or browsing applications while driving, and steer clear of any other distracting activity, such as eating or handling devices. He also urged them to watch the movement of vehicles and pedestrians, pay attention to traffic signals and signs, and leave sufficient distance between vehicles to avoid collision if traffic stops suddenly. He advised anticipating the mistakes of others and being prepared to respond to emergencies calmly, and stopping in a safe place if they need to make a call or read a message.