Dubai Police have cautioned residents against getting behind the wheel while severely tired, drowsy or unwell, after a motorist passed out mid-drive and slammed into several vehicles on Umm Suqeim Street.
Fainting at the wheel ranks among the gravest dangers on the road, according to Brigadier Jumaa Salem Bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police. A driver who loses consciousness can lose all control of a car within seconds, he said, putting their own life and the lives of other motorists at risk. Bin Suwaidan added that some drivers brush aside mild warning signs that can escalate rapidly into serious collisions.
In the latest incident, the car was traveling along Umm Suqeim Street toward Jumeirah Street when its driver blacked out. The vehicle drifted from its lane and struck other cars.
Accident investigators reached the site quickly to examine the scene and gather evidence. Traffic patrols cordoned off the area, kept vehicles moving, cleared a path for ambulances and rescue crews, and had the wrecked car towed away, allowing traffic to flow normally again with little disruption.
Police identified several health problems that pose particular risks for drivers, including unstable blood sugar, high blood pressure, heart disease, psychological disorders and recurring fainting spells. Any of these, they said, could trigger crashes that kill or seriously injure people.
Bin Suwaidan urged motorists to rest properly before setting out, schedule regular stops on long journeys and pull over at once if they feel dizzy or are suddenly overcome by tiredness. He also called on drivers to follow traffic laws and safe driving practices closely.
Routine medical examinations are essential for people with chronic illnesses and for those who spend long hours driving, Bin Suwaidan said, noting that extended time on the road wears down both body and mind and raises the likelihood of a sudden medical emergency.
