288,037 traffic fines issued in Dubai in first half of 2022

Failure to abide by lane discipline is the number 1 traffic offence recorded by the Dubai Police during the first half of 2022, according to a recent report.

Speaking to Arabic newspaper Al Emarat Al Youm, Col Jumaa bin Suwaidan, deputy director of the traffic department, said that not abiding by lane discipline is a danger to other drivers as they may suddenly find a car in front of them threatening their safety. He said Dubai Police uses technologically advanced methods to monitor and track such offences.

Col Bin Suwaidan told the newspaper that while the Dubai Police seeks to reward and encourage good driving habits through programmes such as the “White Points,” it also seeks to bring to light negative driving practices that cause severe accidents or hostility on the roads.

Using a mobile phone while driving is also a serious offence with nearly 33,129 fines issued during the first six months of the year. This practice is one of the top reasons behind the sudden swerving of vehicles on the road (5,738 fines issued). This led to 401 accidents during the first half of 2022, causing the death of 7 people and the injuries of 245.

When it comes to jumping the red light, Col Bin Suwaidan told the paper that nearly 16,892 fines were issued and this violation had resulted in 50 accidents during the first half of the year, leaving four people dead and 64 injured.

Nearly 14,084 fines were issued for not leaving a safe distance between vehicles, which he noted was a serious offence – particularly on highways, as it decreases the possibility of avoiding accidents. It came second in the list of offences that led to accidents, causing 350 accidents, leading to the death of 9 people and injuries to 248 others.

Topping that list was being inconsiderate of others on the road, which caused 175 accidents that led to the death of 10 people during the first half of 2022, as well as the injury of 182 others, the report said.

Stopping in the middle of the road for no reason resulted in 7,600 fines during the first half of the year, with three people dying from five such accidents.

Finally, entering a road without ensuring it's clear was the cause behind 3,334 traffic fines in the first half of the year, which led to 117 accidents, causing the death oftwo people and injuring 101 people.