Distracted driving refers to driving a vehicle while being engaged in another activity. Typically, it can involve using a smartphone, talking to other passengers and eating or drinking while driving. All such actions can distract a driver and increase the risk of a fatal road accident. According to a recently released report by the Abu Dhabi Police, 30,606 distracted driving violations were recorded in the emirate during 2020.
Many drivers believe they can do different things while driving without being distracted. Such drivers must understand that even a minor lapse in concentration can result in a horrific road accident.
Why Distracted Driving is Dangerous?
A distracted driver can commit several dangerous traffic violations at a time, which can increase the risk of a serious road accident. Distracted drivers find it difficult to respond quickly to an emergency and mostly commit serious mistakes that can cause dangerous accidents.
Given below are the major traffic violations that a distracted driver can commit.
Speeding
A distracted driver is most vulnerable to violating the speed limit of a road. The risk of committing a speeding violation increases during the winter season when speed limits are reduced on roads due to poor visibility conditions induced by dense fog. On highways, drivers can commit speeding violations if they are distracted or unaware of the speed limit.
Tailgating
Tailgating or not leaving a safe distance between vehicles is one of the most frequently committed traffic violations on the UAE roads. It mostly occurs when a driver is not fully attentive while driving. Driving too close to a vehicle increases the risk of a road accident, especially in slippery road conditions.
Also read: Sharjah Police Reveals the Number One Reason Behind Minor Road Accidents in the Emirate
Sudden Swerving
Sudden swerving is another major traffic violation that motorists can commit when driving inattentively on the UAE roads. It can be most dangerous when driving in heavy traffic or highways and can result in serious accidents involving multiple vehicles.
How to Avoid Distracted Driving?
A defensive and careful approach can help avoid distracted driving. As a driver, you must consider it your responsibility to drive with 100% attention. Drivers must also be aware of the penalties that they will have to face for distracted driving in the UAE as it can help bring a positive change to the mindset to be more attentive while driving.
Penalties for Distracted Driving in the UAE
Motorists will have to face serious traffic penalties for distracted driving in the UAE. These penalties include four black points issued against the license of the offender and a fine of AED 800. Motorists must have an understanding of the impact of black points issued against their driving license. It is important to note that the license of a driver can be suspended if the black points against it amount to 24.
How New Car Technologies Can Help Avoid Distracted Driving?
Modern-day cars come equipped with driver-assistance systems and safety features that can minimize the risk of road accidents caused by distracted driving. It is essential to understand that these technologies cannot substitute a driver’s attention, however, they can assist drivers in maintaining concentration while driving.
Given below are some of the most advanced driver-assistance systems that can help avoid distracted driving:
- Driver Attention Assist
- Forward Collision Braking System
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Intelligent Speed Assist
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Head-up Display
All these technologies help drivers in maintaining attention while driving either actively or passively. Previous generation vehicles do not have these advanced technologies and only come with basic safety features such as airbags, traditional Cruise Control System and seatbelts. Upgrading to a new car with advanced driver-assistance technologies can ensure a safer driving experience, however, these technologies must never be considered a substitute for a driver’s attention while driving.
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