This year, sudden swerving led to 32 road fatalities in Dubai, according to Dubai Police. Salma Mohammed Rashed Almarri, head of the Dubai Police Traffic Awareness Section, stressed the need for stronger road safety awareness to prevent such accidents.
Almarri highlighted this issue in a recent interview, confirming that sudden swerving remains a major cause of road deaths in the city.
“This year alone, 32 lives were lost due to sudden swerving,” Almarri stated. She explained that reasons vary, including driver health issues, fatigue, and phone use, which is the top distraction. Dubai Police are actively cracking down on phone use while driving, using advanced technology to detect violators, even those hiding behind tinted windows.
Offenders face strict penalties: fines from Dh400 to Dh1,000, four black points, and a 30-day vehicle impound. This serious enforcement shows Dubai’s commitment to safer roads.
Almarri also clarified why drivers face penalties for lane changes even with broken lines. Changing lanes in heavy traffic is risky and goes beyond legality; it’s a matter of safety and common sense.
A recent incident highlights the risks: In August, a student tragically died, and 11 others were injured when a vehicle carrying 12 students swerved and overturned on the Hatta-Lahbab Road. The vehicle exceeded the passenger limit, a violation under UAE law, resulting in a tragic reminder of road safety importance.