A distracted driver running a red light caused a significant traffic accident, as captured by Abu Dhabi Police’s road cameras. The incident, shared in a 31-second clip on Friday, shows a black SUV ignoring the traffic light at an intersection.
The black SUV, according to a Khaleej Times report, seemingly oblivious to the signal, collided with a white SUV coming from the right lane. The impact was so severe that the black SUV spun twice before coming to a stop, with its front end heavily damaged.
In Abu Dhabi, jumping a red light is a serious offense, resulting in a Dh1,000 fine, 12 black points, and a 30-day vehicle confiscation. Additionally, drivers must pay Dh50,000 to retrieve their impounded vehicles, with non-payment within three months leading to the vehicle being auctioned.
Authorities also pointed out that fines for distracted or reckless driving are Dh800 and 4 traffic points. Motorists are urged to pay close attention to traffic lights and avoid distractions, such as using phones while driving, to prevent accidents.
A recent report revealed that the majority of road accidents in the UAE are caused by traffic violations, with a 3% increase in fatalities due to driver misbehavior. The Ministry of Interior’s road safety statistics for 2023 recorded 352 road fatalities across the country, highlighting the critical need for drivers to remain focused and adhere to traffic laws.