Driving while distracted is a major cause of accidents, and eating, drinking, smoking, and using mobile phones are just a few of the things that can distract drivers while driving.
According to data from the Ministry of Interior, in 2021, distracted driving will be the third leading cause of fatal accidents in the United Arab Emirates, accounting for 13% of all fatal accidents.
On Sunday, the Integrated Transport Centre of Abu Dhabi used Twitter to emphasize the fact that eating or drinking while driving increases one’s risk of being in an automobile accident by a whopping 80%.
“Higher concentration while driving is linked to lower accident rates. Navandeep Matta, a Dubai-based legal consultant, stated that distraction has been given a broad connotation and is covered by the provisions of Ministerial Resolution No.178 of 2017 rules and procedures. We hope everyone stays safe.
He stated that anything that prevents a driver from focusing on the road and traffic signals, such as texting, using a mobile phone, browsing the internet, or taking photos or videos while driving, could be considered a distraction. In addition, eating can cause drivers to lose focus on the road and become distracted.
Matta stated that drivers could face a Dh800 fine and four black points for eating, drinking, smoking, or applying makeup while driving due to the fact that doing so could cause drivers to become distracted.
He advised the driver to “keep both hands on the steering wheel” and refrain from “any activity that hinders their focus on the road and traffic signals while driving.”
According to Thomas Edelmann, managing director of Road Safety in the United Arab Emirates, a study found that 38% of drivers between the ages of 18 and 24 in the UAE are occasionally distracted.
We must be on the lookout for the blunders that others might make! Edelmann added that research revealed that taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds while driving at a speed of 100 kilometers per hour means that people are effectively driving blind for 55 meters. This means that the one in three drivers who fail to focus completely on the road run the risk of injuring themselves, their passengers, and other motorists.
Top ten distractions for UAE motorists:
1. Behavior of other motorists Passengers addressing you Modifying the radio 4. adjusting the climate control 5. Children who behave badly 7. Complex road networks 8. road signs Utilizing a mobile phone Using satellite navigation and reading maps Trying to find things in the car Source: Road Safety, UAE A study found that 20% of drivers are distracted by eating or drinking while driving.
“Eating and drinking did not make the top 10, but any source of distraction can be fatal and should be taken seriously… Eating and drinking involve manual, visual, and cognitive distractions. This means we stop looking at the road, stop looking at the steering wheel, and stop paying attention to what’s going on around us!
said the director of operations.
How to avoid getting distracted? According to the research, Edelmann said that drivers prefer a variety of ways to help them concentrate and stay focused on the road, such as listening to the radio, drinking beverages that contain caffeine, speed cameras, and having police present. However, driving alone was the single most important factor in being able to concentrate.
“To increase road safety in the UAE, it is essential to raise awareness of driving distractions. Driving distractions contribute to swerving lanes, driving too close to the vehicle in front of them, misjudging traffic conditions, and other common road accident causes. Drivers must be conscious of the numerous sources of distraction, which is critical.
