Tailgating violates UAE federal law with Dh400 fines, four black points, and possible vehicle impoundment for repeat offenders/ Image: Dubai Police
A three-vehicle collision on Emirates Road has left one person dead and two others injured, prompting authorities in Dubai to reinforce existing road safety warnings and spotlight enforcement measures against tailgating.
Accident details and cause
A fatal traffic accident occurred on Monday, September 3, on Emirates Road, just past the Dubai Club Bridge in the direction of Sharjah, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to two others. The incident, confirmed by Dubai Police on Wednesday, September 4, involved three vehicles, including a sedan and a mini truck. Images released by the authorities show the sedan crushed and mangled, with its front end severely damaged, while the mini truck sustained significant impact to its side, illustrating the force of the collision. According to Brigadier Jumaa Salem Bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Traffic Department at Dubai Police, the Command and Control Centre received a report of the crash at 1:30 PM. Preliminary investigations concluded that the cause was a driver’s failure to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, a traffic violation commonly associated with rear-end collisions. One person succumbed to injuries at the scene. The two others involved sustained moderate to minor injuries and were transported to a hospital for treatment. Emergency teams, including traffic patrols and accident specialists, responded swiftly to manage the site, assist victims, remove wreckage, and ensure traffic continued flowing smoothly along the busy corridor toward Sharjah. Brig. Bin Suwaidan reiterated the importance of safe driving practices, especially the need to maintain adequate spacing between vehicles, warning that violations of this nature can lead to severe or fatal outcomes.
Tailgating: A leading cause of road fatalities in UAE
Official data from Dubai Police identifies rear-end collisions caused by insufficient vehicle spacing as one of the most frequent accident types in the emirate. Brig. Bin Suwaidan noted that this behavior poses a significant threat to both life and property, describing it as a “critical violation.” Under the UAE Federal Traffic Law, failing to maintain a safe distance carries a penalty of Dh400 and four black points on the offender’s driving record. In cases of repeated or multiple violations, vehicles may be impounded for up to 30 days, according to police directives issued last year. A report by RoadSafetyUAE, based on figures from the Ministry of Interior, ranks tailgating as the third biggest killer on UAE roads. The organization recommends following the three-second rule, where a driver ensures they are at least three seconds behind the car in front, under normal conditions. In adverse weather such as fog, rain, or sandstorms, this should be increased to five seconds to provide adequate reaction time and prevent dangerous rear-end crashes.
Use of radar and AI to curb unsafe driving
As reported by Khaleej Times in March, Dubai Police announced plans to deploy radars integrated with artificial intelligence technology to monitor tailgating and issue fines automatically. The announcement came during a press conference held on March 5 by the General Department of Traffic. The system had undergone a trial phase prior to the public rollout and is part of broader efforts to leverage technology in enhancing road safety enforcement. Alongside radar surveillance, the police continue to carry out field and digital awareness campaigns aimed at educating drivers about the risks of tailgating, speeding, and distracted driving. These campaigns emphasize behavioral change and reinforce compliance with traffic regulations to reduce road fatalities. In light of Monday’s fatal crash, Dubai Police have again urged the public to remain vigilant behind the wheel. Brig. Bin Suwaidan stressed that alertness, discipline, and safe distance are non-negotiable aspects of responsible driving. With Emirates Road being one of the emirate’s busiest highways, particularly in the direction of Sharjah, authorities are focusing both on law enforcement and public education to mitigate risks. Go to Source
