Sudden braking on highways raises safety concerns among motorists in UAE

Dubai: Sudden and unnecessary braking by some drivers on highways is becoming a growing road safety concern, according to motorists who say the behaviour increases the risk of collisions and endangers other road users.

Drivers report frequently encountering motorists who apply the brakes repeatedly or without apparent reason, causing confusion for vehicles travelling behind them and increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Accident figures highlight risks

According to Ministry of Interior statistics, six traffic accidents were recorded nationwide last year as a result of vehicles stopping suddenly. A further 18 accidents were linked to vehicles stopping in the middle of the road.

Motorists said such behaviour can have serious consequences, particularly on highways where vehicles travel at higher speeds and drivers have less time to react.

Drivers call for greater awareness

Driver Mohammed Mansour said motorists often witness irresponsible behaviour on highways.

"We are surprised by drivers who constantly press their brakes in fast lanes because they were distracted by their mobile phones and then suddenly become confused when they pay attention to the road," he said.

Driver Sultan Ahmed said some motorists appear hesitant and panic when approaching exits.

"You find them suddenly pressing the brakes in the middle of the road simply because they are about to exit, without considering the speed of vehicles behind them," he said.

Driver Fatima Abdullah said such behaviour creates stress and anxiety for other road users.

"Driving behind someone who repeatedly and unnecessarily brakes is stressful and frightening. I was involved in a collision once because the driver in front of me panicked and braked suddenly when there was nothing obstructing the road," she said.

Expert advice

Dr Jamal Al-Amiri, CEO of Saed Association for Reducing Traffic Accidents, urged motorists to deal cautiously with such situations and avoid actions that could escalate risks.

He advised drivers to maintain a safe following distance of at least three seconds behind the vehicle ahead, allowing sufficient time to react to sudden braking.

Al-Amiri also warned against responding aggressively through excessive horn use or flashing headlights, noting that such actions may increase panic or provoke negative reactions from other drivers.

He said the safest course of action when encountering a driver who repeatedly uses the brakes without justification is to move to another lane when it is safe to do so.

Advice for hesitant drivers

Al-Amiri urged drivers who experience anxiety or uncertainty while driving to remain in slower lanes and avoid high-speed lanes whenever possible.

He also recommended enrolling in defensive driving courses, saying specialised training can improve confidence, emotional control and the ability to deal with unexpected situations on the road.

In addition, he advised drivers to plan journeys in advance and set navigation systems before driving to avoid sudden lane changes, unnecessary slowing down or abrupt stops when searching for exits.

Legal consequences

Al-Amiri noted that the Federal Traffic Law classifies unjustified stopping on the road as a serious traffic offence.

Drivers who stop in the middle of the road without a valid reason can face a AED 1,000 fine and receive six black points on their driving licence.

Abu Dhabi Police warning

The Directorate of Traffic and Security Patrols at Abu Dhabi Police has called on motorists not to stop in the middle of the road for any reason and instead proceed to the nearest safe exit.

The authority stressed the importance of maintaining full attention while driving and responding safely to vehicle malfunctions or changing traffic conditions.

Abu Dhabi Police also urged motorists to comply with speed limits, use indicators correctly and avoid distractions behind the wheel, particularly during slow-moving or stopped traffic, to help prevent serious accidents.