During driving...: Using mobile, eating, drinking, smoking can cost you in UAE

ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi Police cautioned motorists about the dangers of distracted driving on United Arab Emirates (UAE) roads.

UAE drivers can get a Dh800 (Rs30,000) fine and four black points for talking on the phone, texting, eating, drinking, smoking, talking to other passengers, applying make-up, styling hair, smoking shisha and using selfie-sticks, under the recent amendments to the traffic law.

Abu Dhabi Police urged the motorists to stay focused while driving and abstain from any distractions such as talking over the phone, browsing the internet, which can lead to not only traffic fines and black points but also fatal accidents.

The capital police, in partnership with the Security Media Department, are implementing the unified traffic campaign themed “Avoid distractions while driving”.

The UAE Ministry of Interior has launched an awareness drive to reduce traffic accidents on roads. Motorists are also reminded to take precautions before stopping on the highways since Emergency stop on highways is one of the serious causes of traffic accidents. In case of emergency, drivers are advised to stop at the far right side of the road and put the hazard lights on.

The police also advised the motorists not to drive if they are tired, taken any medicine that causes drowsiness and night driving in case of vision problems. According to a survey conducted last year in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), 74 per cent of the drivers use mobile phones while driving.