UAE Police Crack Down on Mobile Phone Usage While Driving

Introduction

Claimed to be the leading cause for distraction amongst motorists in the country, Police forces around the UAE are cracking down on drivers who use their mobile phone while driving. In a statement released on social media, Abu Dhabi police warned motorists against the usage of mobile phones when driving for their own safety and for the safety of those around them.

Specific Measures Against Mobile Phone Usage

Focusing specifically against playing games while stuck in traffic, Police have revealed that those caught using their mobile phone while driving will be issued a fine of AED 800 and four black points. As per an online survey conducted by the Ministry of Interior, mobile phone usage was pinpointed as the leading cause of distraction among motorists who cause serious accidents.

Survey Insights

In the survey, a whopping 71.4% of respondents claimed mobile phones as being their main cause of distraction on the road, with:

• 17.7% claiming attending to children
• 10.9% claiming eating and drinking in the driver’s seat

Traffic Violations Statistics

In 2018, traffic authorities accounted 88,619 mobile phone violations committed by drivers across the UAE, averaging a concerning 243 offences per day.

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