Tailgating has been recorded as the main cause of traffic accidents in the first quarter of 2017 in the UAE. Over the span of four months, 73 accidents have been recorded with 8 people dead and 3 people severely injured on the Abu Dhabi roads.
A total of 5,150 fines were issued between January, 2017 and April, 2017 in Abu Dhabi, which is a major cause for concern. Since the UAE authorities are trying to minimize traffic related offenses and accidents, tailgating it presenting a major issue for them.
Warning Issued Over Tailgating
A warning has been issued over tailgating and motorists are advised to be more careful about their driving habits. If the motorists are not careful, they will be issued fines and black points against the license of the offending motorist.
Head of Transport Research Laboratory in the UAE, Dr. Britta Lang said, “Unfortunately, close following is a frequent contributing factor in many collisions on UAE roads. It is particularly dangerous on high-speed roads where the collision severities are likely to be much higher.“
Talking about how tailgating is a risk for every, the Director Of Main Roads at Abu Dhabi Police’s Traffic and Patrols Directorate, Col. Ahmed Al Zuwaidi commented, “Not maintaining sufficient distance between vehicles increases the risk of rear-end collisions as motorists do not have sufficient time or distance to stop should the vehicle in front come to a sudden and unexpected halt.”
Dr. Lang, who is also a psychologist said that tailgating can be a form of intimidation that is used to get the slower drivers at the front to give way. Col. Ahmed Al Zuwaidi also added a warning against tailgating, flashing lights and sounding horns to force the motorist ahead to give way.
Such behaviors are considered to be a distraction for other motorists and it can lead to an increase in the risk of accidents.
Tailgating a Major Issue
Founder of Road Safety UAE, Thomas Edelmann revealed that tailgating has been number three cause of traffic accident related deaths on the UAE roads for many years. It has been the major cause for concern along with over-speeding and sudden lane changing.
He also said, “It’s a pity that UAE motorists don’t get it. It’s so simple: just leave enough distance to the vehicle in front.” The Director of Ciel Marketing and Events, which organizes campaigns for road safety, Rohanara Sait addressed the matter and said that drivers overestimate their driving skills and become very negligent. They make mistakes and remain unaware of the dangers of tailgating that leads to accidents.
She also mentioned, “At 40kph, the stopping distance required is 15 metres, as the speed doubles the distance quadruples. A driver should maintain a three-second gap behind any vehicle in front. This rule helps to reduce the risk of collision and the severity of the collision.”
Consequences of Tailgating
In order to decrease the tailgating incidences, the Police are now keeping a keen eye over all the roads and amped up their traffic control. According to Col. Ahmed Al Zuwaidi, the Police will be more vigilant to fine the violators and catch them.
Under the new federal rules, the motorists who commit tailgating offence will be fined AED 400 and will receive four black points on their license. It is important for the motorists to maintain the proper distance between vehicles at all times for the safety of everyone.
Since tailgating can be a major risk for everyone involved, it is always best to maintain a three-second gap between vehicles and ensure that one person’s actions are not a danger to the other motorists on the road.
Making the roads safe is the responsibility of everyone on the roads, including the traffic police and the motorists. The roads will only be safe if everyone involved is patient, vigilant and careful.
This new fine will be implemented from 1st July, 2017.
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