Abu Dhabi Police have published video footage of a chain of collisions that began when a vehicle stopped in the middle of a main road, using the recording to warn drivers about the hazards of rubbernecking, distracted driving and stopping in live traffic lanes.
- Abu Dhabi Police released footage showing a series of collisions that began after a car stopped in a live traffic lane.
- Authorities warned that rubbernecking and distracted driving can lead to secondary crashes and carry fines under UAE law.
- Drivers are urged to move vehicles to a safe location when possible or call 999 if unable to do so.
- Reporting differs slightly on penalty amounts: Dh1,000 cited for rubbernecking by The National; Dh800 plus four black points cited for distracted driving by Gulf News.
What the footage shows and police advice
Police said the video captures an initial two-vehicle crash that brought traffic to a halt and shows other motorists slowing or stopping to look at the scene. That reaction, authorities said, created a dangerous bottleneck: approaching vehicles were forced to brake and secondary collisions followed within seconds.
The footage also reportedly shows people exiting their cars and using their vehicle lights to try to signal oncoming traffic, which police said instead contributed to blocking the road and increasing risk to road users.
Abu Dhabi Police and the Traffic and Security Patrols Directorate urged drivers to avoid stopping in live lanes whenever possible and to move their vehicles to the nearest exit or a safe location. If a vehicle cannot be moved after a collision, motorists were told to call the Command and Control Centre on 999 for assistance and to wait in a safe place until help arrives.
Penalties and legal context
The authorities reminded drivers that under UAE traffic law, distracted driving carries penalties. Reporting by Gulf News notes that driving while distracted can attract a Dh800 fine and four traffic black points in the UAE. The National also noted that slowing down or stopping to look at an incident is an offence that can lead to a Dh1,000 fine.
Regional pattern and related warnings
The Abu Dhabi message echoes recent safety videos published by other emirates. Sharjah Police released footage illustrating a single-vehicle crash blamed on reckless or distracted driving; Khaleej Times reported that distracted driving accounted for 16% of major accidents in the UAE in 2025, second only to sudden swerving at 18% and followed by negligence and inattention at 11%.
Why moving the scene matters
Police statements cited in coverage emphasise three practical reasons to clear a live lane when possible: protecting those involved in the initial crash, reducing the risk of secondary collisions, and maintaining traffic flow so emergency services can reach the scene. Promptly calling 999 if a vehicle cannot be moved allows authorities to respond and manage the roadway more quickly.
Unresolved points and limitations
- The published reports describe the contents of the police footage and the safety advice, but do not provide independently verified counts of vehicles involved, detailed injury reports, or precise timestamps from the recording.
- Coverage differs slightly on the fine amounts for stopping to look: The National reported a Dh1,000 fine for rubbernecking, while Gulf News cited the Dh800 penalty tied to distracted driving and four traffic points; both figures were presented by the respective outlets as reflecting UAE traffic rules.
Practical takeaways for drivers in the UAE
- If involved in a minor collision and your vehicle is driveable, move to the nearest exit or a safe shoulder rather than remain in a travel lane.
- If your car cannot be moved, call the Abu Dhabi Command and Control Centre on 999 and wait in a secure location off the carriageway.
- Do not stop to watch an accident scene; slowing or stopping can cause secondary crashes and may attract a fine under UAE law.
- Keep focus while driving: authorities cite distracted driving as a leading contributor to major accidents across the Emirates.
“Stopping in the middle of the road for any reason posed a serious risk to all road users,” Abu Dhabi Police said in their statement, as reported by local media.
Abu Dhabi Police’s video forms part of a broader campaign across UAE emirates to reduce road deaths and collisions by discouraging rubbernecking and promoting rapid reporting and safe management of incidents on major roads.