Avoid Dh1,000 Fine: Abu Dhabi Police Warn Against Rubbernecking at Accident Scenes
Abu Dhabi Police have issued a critical road safety warning to motorists in the UAE. They are cautioning against 'rubbernecking'—the act of slowing down or stopping at accident scenes to observe. This behavior is a traffic offense punishable by a Dh1,000 fine.
- Rubbernecking: Slowing down or stopping to watch accidents.
- Penalty: Dh1,000 fine and 6 black points for stopping without a valid reason.
- Traffic Obstruction: Separate Dh500 penalty.
- Emergency Contacts: Call 999 for police and 998 for ambulance services.
Road Safety Risks
Authorities released footage showing a white sedan colliding with a pickup truck, which then overturned into a road barrier. The video shows how vehicles stopping in lanes to watch the aftermath caused sudden traffic halts, reduced reaction times for trailing drivers, and led to secondary collisions. Officials warned that exiting a vehicle on a high-speed road creates severe risks, including potential fatal impacts from oncoming traffic. Drivers are advised to stay in a safe location while awaiting emergency responders and avoid attempting to direct traffic themselves.
Proper Accident Procedures
In the event of a minor collision where no serious injuries occur and vehicles remain operable, drivers must move their cars to the nearest safe location or exit to avoid obstructing traffic. For non-operable vehicles or those involving injuries, drivers should call 999 to follow official instructions. Minor accidents can be reported through the MoI UAE, Saeed, or Abu Dhabi Police applications to avoid waiting for police patrols in live lanes. Motorists are urged to activate hazard lights, assess for injuries, and move to a safe shoulder or exit. Document insurance details only after reaching a secure area, rather than engaging in distractions like photography or filming at crash sites. This warning is particularly relevant for the large Indian expatriate population in the UAE, who frequently use high-speed corridors like the Abu Dhabi–Dubai, Al Ain, Mussafah, Yas, and Khalifa City routes.