Most often motorists in the UAE are involved in activities that take their attention away from driving, resulting in distracted driving. Usually, motorists are involved in eating or drinking, talking to other passengers and using smartphones when driving. This is why, the risk of a fatal road accident is increased as these actions can distract any driver. In a recent report released by the Abu Dhabi Police, in the past more than 30,000 distracted driving violations were recorded in the emirate.
There are a large number of motorists who think that they can drive safely and also handle other activities while driving. However, these drivers need to realize that even a minor lapse in concentration can result in fatal car accidents and deaths of passengers.
By adopting safe driving practices which is also referred to as defensive driving approach, the risk of road accidents can be minimized. Drivers are required to drive attentively and comply with traffic rules when driving through this approach. Drivers should avoid errant drivers on the road at all costs, as their reckless driving behavior of others can also lead to fatal casualties and road accidents.
Avoiding Distracted Driving
The risk of a serious road accident is increased when distracted drivers are prone to committing several dangerous traffic violations at a time. Motorists mostly commit serious mistakes that can cause dangerous accidents and find it difficult to respond quickly to an emergency.
These major traffic violations that a distracted driver can commit are given below:
Tailgating
One of the most frequently committed traffic violations on the UAE roads is tailgating or not leaving a safe distance between vehicles. This usually happens when driver is not fully attentive while driving and get distracted by other activities. Driving too close to a vehicle increases the risk of a dangerous road situations, particularly on slippery roads.
Sudden Swerving
While driving inattentively on the roads, sudden swerving is another major traffic violation that motorists do commit often. This and can result in serious accidents involving multiple vehicles, which can be most dangerous when driving in heavy traffic or highways.
Over-Speeding
To violate the speed limit of a road is what most often a distracted driver is vulnerable of committing. When speed limits are reduced on roads due to poor visibility conditions induced by dense fog, the risk of committing a speeding violation increases during the winter season. Drivers distracted or unaware of the speed limit can commit speeding violations on the highways.
Driving Attentively
Motorists in the UAE must consider it their responsibility to drive with full attention, which is why they need to adopt a defensive and careful driving approach. On the other hand, a positive change to the mindset of the drivers and to be more attentive while driving can possibly be done by making them aware of the traffic penalties.
Penalties for Distracted Driving
Drivers will have to face serious traffic penalties when they drive unattentively. These penalties include four black points issued against the license of the offender and a fine of AED 800 as well. Drivers in the UAE must have an understanding of the impact of black points issued against their driving license.
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Car Technologies Can Limit Distracted Driving
Risk of road accidents caused by distracted driving can be minimized in the UAE by the use of advanced driver-assistance systems and safety features, which feature in modern-day vehicles. These technologies can assist drivers in maintaining concentration while driving, but drivers have to understand that these technologies cannot substitute a driver’s attention.
Here are some of the most advanced driver-assistance systems that can help avoid distracted driving:
- Head-up Display
- Driver Attention Assist
- Forward Collision Braking System
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Intelligent Speed Assist
- Blind Spot Monitoring
While driving, such technologies help drivers in maintaining attention, making it easy to handle their vehicles and minimizing the risk of car accidents. The vehicles of previous generations only come with basic safety features such as airbags, traditional Cruise Control System and seatbelts and they do not have these advanced technologies. It is ideal for motorists to upgrade to a new car with advanced driver-assistance technologies can ensure a safer driving experience.
Bottomline!
By adopting a careful driving approach, motorists can minimize the risk of dangerous road accidents and dangerous consequences. Drivers in the UAE must always follow traffic rules and road safety protocols to help avoiding reckless drivers and fatal collisions on road. Motorists who want to sell their old car in order to upgrade to a new vehicle with advanced driving and safety features, then they can choose the most reliable platform offered by specialist car buying companies to sell their old vehicle in a quick and hassle-free manner.