If you encounter a road accident and rescue is underway — the best thing to do would be to keep driving. Why? Because stopping your vehicle would only cause further traffic. And besides, you could be slapped with an AED 1,000 fine!
Soon after an accident along the Dubai – Al Ain Road, Abu Dhabi Police issued a warning against motorists. They reminded everyone to stop staring and “rubbernecking” at the site of traffic accidents, Gulf News reported.
Motorists Warned Against Gawking at Accidents
Just recently, an accident happened along Dubai – Al Ain Road. A speeding vehicle crashed into a car parked on the roadside, causing nine people to sustain minor injuries. There were many bystanders and rubberneckers, which hampered the efforts of ambulance and police patrols.
“Rubbernecking is considered as an uncivilised type of behavior that can endanger the lives of other road users,” stated Colonel Ahmad Al Zuwaidi, Director of Traffic at Al Ain.
“Motorists should not slow down to watch traffic accidents, as doing so can cause further traffic congestion and prevent ambulances from arriving at the scene on time,” he explained.
To prevent such situations, authorities introduced a fine for rubbernecking in 2017. It became part of the UAE’s amended traffic law, which now includes an AED 1,000 fine for blocking the road during an accident.
While staring at an accident may seem “harmless,” let us remember that time is of the essence in these situations. Once we see the police and paramedics on site, we should get out of the way as soon as possible. Meanwhile, to avoid getting into trouble on the road, here is a list of traffic violations and fines in Dubai.