Using a mobile phone while driving in Dubai poses significant risks, often leading to tragedy. This alarming offense has claimed the lives of six individuals in just eight months. In this article, we will explore how Dubai Police employ advanced technology, including cameras and radars, to identify and penalize those who flout the law.
Dubai Police's Vigilant Surveillance
Many motorists in Dubai may be under the mistaken impression that they can evade penalties for using their phones while driving by quickly concealing their devices when they spot police patrols or officers. However, Dubai Police utilizes a sophisticated network of technology, radars, and surveillance cameras to spot offenders and issue fines. In a recent video shared by the police, we gain insight into the remarkable capabilities of these surveillance tools.
These surveillance cameras, driven by artificial intelligence, automatically zero in on drivers using their phones for various activities like making calls, texting, or browsing social media. The video footage showcases multiple instances of violators caught at traffic junctions, turns, and intersections.
Contrary to popular belief, Dubai's radar system isn't limited to capturing speeding violations. In 2020, the police introduced smart radars equipped with the ability to detect various traffic infractions, including mobile phone use, illegal lane changes, and failure to wear a seatbelt.
The consequences for using a phone while driving are severe, with an accompanying Dh800 fine and the addition of four black points to the driver's license.
The Dubai Police have initiated numerous awareness campaigns to underline the dangers of using a phone while driving. They have shared compelling footage demonstrating how this practice can lead to catastrophic accidents, incapacitations, and, tragically, fatalities.
Major-General Saif Muhair Al Mazroui, Director of the General Department of Traffic, highlighted the importance of these campaigns, saying, "Unfortunately, some only learn when tragedy strikes. A momentary lapse in concentration while checking social media or texting can have devastating consequences."
Over the past eight months, six individuals lost their lives in 99 accidents directly caused by mobile phone use while driving. In this period, the police recorded a staggering 35,527 violations related to this dangerous practice.
According to Dubai Police, the top causes of fatal accidents in recent years include not giving priority to other road users, abrupt lane changes, failure to maintain a safe following distance, and speeding. The common thread in many of these incidents is driver distraction due to mobile phone use.
The Dubai Police's vigilant use of technology, including surveillance cameras and smart radars, plays a crucial role in enforcing traffic laws and deterring phone use while driving. To ensure road safety and prevent further tragedies, it is imperative that motorists in Dubai heed the warnings and penalties associated with this dangerous habit. Let this serve as a reminder of the importance of focusing on the road and keeping mobile devices stowed away while behind the wheel.