Dubai Police have issued a stern warning to motorists to adhere to traffic regulations following a surge in road accidents.
According to a Khaleej Times report, over the past six months, the General Department of Traffic recorded 94 accidents, predominantly caused by violations such as not adhering to mandatory lanes, driving against the traffic flow, and dangerous reversing.
A breakdown of the statistics reveals that 64 of the accidents were due to drivers failing to stay in their designated lanes. Dangerous reversing accounted for 16 accidents, while driving against the traffic flow led to 14 incidents.
The authorities have highlighted the penalties for these violations to deter reckless driving. Motorists driving against the traffic flow face a fine of Dh600 and six traffic points, while dangerous reversing incurs a Dh500 fine and four traffic points. Those not adhering to mandatory lanes for light vehicles will be fined Dh400.
Brigadier Jumaa Salem bin Suwaidan, Deputy Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, stressed the gravity of these infractions. “Many people become victims of others’ mistakes due to some drivers’ lack of awareness about the seriousness of their traffic violations,” he remarked.
In comparison, last year saw 177 traffic accidents, with 113 caused by failure to stay in mandatory lanes, 28 by driving against the traffic flow, and 36 due to dangerous reversing.
Dubai Police continue to appeal to all drivers to respect traffic laws, emphasizing that what might seem like minor violations can lead to severe and sometimes tragic consequences for innocent road users.