The roads are hectic at the best of times in Dubai but driving in the rain takes it to a whole new level. The UAE government has advised people to work remotely if possible during the Dubai rain, but if you need to drive to your place of work, or for any other reasons, there are some important safety rules to be aware of. Breaking these is not only dangerous; you could end up with some hefty fines. As tempting as it might be to take a video of the road-turned-river on your drive, please keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes focused on the road for your safety, and the protection of those around you. Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has issued safety guidelines for driving in the rain, as the storms continue in Dubai this morning. Dubai Police also issued a safety alert to all residents via mobile phone, highlighting the severity of the current weather in Dubai. RTA reminded Dubai drivers to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front and to follow traffic signals. Follow RTA’s safety tips while driving during rainy weather:
– Make sure to increase the safety distance between you and the vehicle ahead
– Follow traffic signs
– Drive cautiously and carefully
– Check the validity of the brakes and tires
For more safety tips, visit our website… RTA (@rta_dubai) February 12, 2024. Dubai drivers also need to take note of the traffic laws and potential traffic fines for dangerous driving in the rain. Black points are gained every time a driver is caught breaking a traffic law by Dubai Police. If you accumulate 24 black points then your license will be confiscated for six months. As you will see, if you’re careless when driving in the rain in Dubai, the points can quite easily rack up. A full list of traffic violations is readily available on the Dubai Police website.
Driving in the rain: hazard lights
Dubai drivers have a tendency to whack on the hazard lights a little too frequently. This habit often increases when driving in the rain as drivers attempt to warn fellow road users about a big body of water up ahead. However, turning your hazard lights on and continuing to drive only adds to the chaos since all of your indicators will be turned on and those behind you will have no clue where you’re attempting to go. Instead, pull over if you don’t feel comfortable driving in such conditions and wait for the worst of the storm to pass. It’s stressful out there, take your time. The punishment for driving with your hazard lights is a fine of Dhs500 and four black points towards your driver’s license.
Driving in the rain: mobile phones
Attempting to document the madness of a rainy Dubai day from the driver’s seat is a no-no and could result in a serious fine and black points added to your license. Clearly, this is always a risky thing to do as it can divert your attention from the road and endanger those around you, but the stakes are amplified in tricky driving conditions. This includes holding the device to take a picture of conditions or filming other cars struggling in the water. RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) Dubai have frequently highlighted the dangers of using a phone while driving and has previously found that texting while driving increases the likelihood of being involved in an accident by up to 32 per cent. The RTA also found that the reaction time of drivers falls by up to 50 per cent. The person you’re texting while driving won’t be happy if anything terrible happens to you. For public safety, don’t get distracted by your phone while driving. Remember, one simple mistake can cause harm to your life and that of others. #YourSafetyOurPriority #RTA #Dubai RTA (@rta_dubai) October 1, 2022. The punishment for using a handheld mobile phone while driving is a Dhs800 fine and four black points against your driving license.
Driving in the rain: lane discipline
We’ve all been stuck behind a driver switching lanes at the last second – and this is what this violation refers to. Switching into a different lane without prior warning is annoying and dangerous even in perfect conditions, but as cars struggle to move in deep water it’s an even bigger problem. The punishment for this is a fine of Dhs400 – and the evil eye from the car behind you.
Driving in the rain: reckless driving
If you are caught driving in a way that endangers those around you then the punishment can be, rightly, severe. Dangerous and reckless driving could include some of the behavior already listed as well as sudden swerving, and ignoring a red light. The punishment for dangerous driving is Dhs2,000, 23 black points, and 60 days without your vehicle. Stay safe people, and stay inside where possible.
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