'Delay could cost lives': Dubai Police warn against rubbernecking at accident sites

Khaleej Times

a day ago

Dubai Police have issued a strong warning against rubbernecking — the act of slowing down or stopping to look at accident scenes — highlighting the serious risks it poses to both road safety and lives. Authorities are ramping up awareness campaigns to curb this dangerous behavior on UAE roads.
'Crowding around accident sites is a major factor in worsening injuries and delaying emergency services,' said Brigadier Juma Bin Suwaidan, acting director of the General Department of Traffic, in a statement to Khaleej Times. 'Some drivers slow down or stop merely out of curiosity, unaware of how this disrupts traffic flow and endangers those involved.'
He stressed that rubbernecking not only delays emergency responders but can also trigger secondary accidents. 'Slowing down or parking haphazardly out of curiosity creates confusion on the road and can lead to more collisions,' he said.
First Lt Salma Al Marri, head of the Traffic Awareness Section, emphasised that such actions are strictly prohibited under the UAE traffic laws. 'This is a traffic offence punishable by up to Dh1,000,' she said. 'If it obstructs emergency vehicles, further legal measures may follow.'
She urged motorists to understand the gravity of the situation and not treat accident scenes like spectacles to watch. 'Every second matters during emergencies. Delays caused by crowds could cost someone their life. This isn't just a traffic issue, it's a human responsibility.'
Safety experts echoed the warning, pointing out that even a brief slowdown can have a ripple effect. Just tapping the brakes to look can disrupt traffic flow for several minutes, and increase the chances of rear-end crashes.
'Rubbernecking is covered by multiple fine categories in the UAE traffic law. It falls under terms like 'obstructing traffic' or 'stopping without cause,' two fine categories found in earlier versions of the UAE traffic law,' said Dr Eng Mustafa Aldah, founder of MA Traffic Consulting.
Dubai Police continue to spread their message across multiple platforms to promote responsible driving. 'We remind all drivers to give way to ambulances and emergency responders, and never stop unnecessarily at accident scenes,' Al Marri said. 'This is a shared responsibility for the safety of everyone on the road.'