If you’re eating, drinking, or doing make-up while driving, you will be fined up to Rs. 50,000 in UAE. Distracted driving can result in serious accidents, and authorities in the UAE are creating more awareness regarding this issue.
On Sunday, 15th January 2023, the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) of Abu Dhabi took to Twitter to post a public service message regarding distracted driving. The statement read, “Eating and drinking while driving increases the chances of getting in a car accident by 80%.”
Lower accident rates are associated with higher focus when driving. We hope everyone stays safe!#TrafficSafetyCampaign #DistractedWhileDriving pic.twitter.com/3NPwmUOeRg
— "ITC" مركز النقل المتكامل (@ITCAbuDhabi) January 15, 2023
Distracted driving was responsible for 13% of fatal accidents in the UAE in 2021, with over 2,000 accidents occurring during that time period.
Distracted driving is not limited to eating and drinking only. Dubai-based legal advisor Navandeep Matta states that distraction can be due to several factors, and the term distraction applies to various things in the UAE law. According to him, any activity that distracts drivers, such as texting, applying make-up, making videos, and so on, can be seen as a distraction, and the police can fine the driver for it!
According to Navandeep, motorists who eat, drink, smoke, or wear make-up while driving can be fined up to AED 800 and receive four black points. He advised drivers to keep both hands on the wheel when driving and at stop signs.
According to one of UAE’s travel-related portals Road Safety UAE, the following actions are considered a distraction for the driver by the authorities:
- Other drivers’ behavior.
- Passengers talking to the driver.
- Changing radio frequency.
- Adjusting the vehicle AC.
- Children behaving poorly.
- Complex roads.
- Road signs
- Using a smartphone.
- Using maps or satellite navigation.
- Reaching for objects inside the vehicle.
Do you think applying such laws will be successful in Pakistan? Share your thoughts on the matter with us in the comments below!
