Don’t escape from accident site, Dubai police warn drivers
Traffic Prosecution; Escaping from a traffic accident site can land driver in jail
Dubai Police have warned motorists in the emirate against causing an accident and leaving the scene without providing any information about themselves or offering assistance to the affected party.
Prosecutor General Salah Bu Farousha Al Felasi, Dubai’s Chief Traffic Prosecutor and Head of Dubai Traffic Public Prosecution, said hit-and-run is primarily a misdemeanour, but it can become a felony if someone dies or is injured as a result of the accident.
Imprisonment or fines
“Some traffic offences like hit-and-run can be considered a crime. According to UAE Traffic Law, the punishment is either imprisonment or fines starting from Dh20,000 if the accident results in death, injuries or damage to properties,” said Al Felasi during a virtual conference organised by Dubai Community Development Authority last Monday.
“When a driver is involved in an accident, it’s seen as a mistake. However, if he or she escapes from the spot, then he or she will get a tougher punishment. Leaving an injured person unattended at an accident site may lead to that person’s,” Al Felasi said.
Six hours to report
However, he clarified that drivers involved in minor accidents, that do not result in any injuries or damage to any property, can move their vehicles to a safer spot and then alert the police.
“The law gives a driver six hours to report an accident. If, for example, a driver had an accident on a busy road like Shaikh Zayed Road, then he or she should first move the vehicle to a safer area in order to avoid a traffic jam,” said Al Felasi.
The chief traffic prosecutor also said that records show that accidents caused in Dubai by drivers aged between 18 and 35 years usually result in either injuries or deaths.