Authorities are urging motorists to thoroughly inspect their blind spots prior to overtaking another vehicle. Abu Dhabi Police, in a recent social media post, advised drivers to decelerate gradually before executing an overtake to prevent collisions caused by abrupt vehicle movements.
Drivers are also encouraged to adjust their mirrors, ensure their windows are clean, and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles to minimize the risk of accidents. Motorists are further advised to utilize their vehicle's blind spot warning system, which alerts drivers to the presence of nearby vehicles or those in blind spots through visual and auditory signals.
This system initially activates a light near the side mirrors and issues a voice alert if the driver signals to change lanes into a spot occupied by another vehicle. The effectiveness of these alerts can vary depending on the vehicle model. The blind spot warning system employs sensors on the rear bumper and side mirrors to detect vehicles in blind spots or adjacent lanes, thereby reducing collision risks.
This guidance is also relevant for heavy vehicle drivers in Abu Dhabi, who were recently permitted to use the second right lane for overtaking on Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed International Street. These drivers are urged to follow safety guidelines, stay in the right lane except when overtaking, and use their signals appropriately.
Using the shoulder for overtaking is considered a serious violation, punishable by a Dh1,000 fine and six black points under Article 42 of the federal traffic law. In Ajman, authorities have reminded drivers to use indicators when changing lanes, adhere to safety protocols during rain, avoid distracted driving, and respect speed limits.
Sudden deviations or swerves were identified as major contributors to road accidents, accounting for 71% of fatalities and 61% of injuries in the UAE in 2023. The Ministry of Interior reported 352 road fatalities nationwide last year, a slight increase from 2022 but a decrease compared to 2021.
