By Abdulla Rasheed
aalhammadi@gulfnews.comAbu Dhabi Police have issued a warning to motorists about hazardous driving behaviors commonly observed during peak traffic hours, particularly the act of driving on the road shoulder. Authorities emphasised that the shoulder is a designated emergency lane meant exclusively for rescue and emergency vehicles, stating, 鈥淒riving in this lane hinders those attempting to save lives.鈥漈hrough its traffic awareness campaign, Abu Dhabi Police highlighted the use of an advanced system powered by artificial intelligence called the 鈥淒angerous Driver Monitoring System.鈥 .Video: Abu Dhabi Police expose drivers misusing Darb toll timing to skip fees. This system identifies serious traffic violations and dangerous behaviours, such as overtaking via the shoulder, using a phone while driving, and failing to maintain a safe following distance.The AI-enhanced camera network is deployed on major roads to monitor and detect reckless drivers in real time..Abu Dhabi Police warn: Worn-out tires can be deadly. Legal penalties for shoulder drivingAccording to the UAE鈥檚 Federal Traffic Law, overtaking via the road shoulder incurs a fine of Dh1,000 and six black traffic points. More serious is the offense of failing to give way to emergency, ambulance, police, or official convoy vehicles, which results in a fine of Dh3,000, six black points, and impoundment of the vehicle for 30 days..Caught on Camera: Multiple vehicles crash after stopping for minor accident in Abu Dhabi.Cameras monitor violations during traffic jamsTraffic cameras and patrol units across the country have recorded multiple violations during congested periods, including failure to stay in lane, overtaking from the right, and driving on emergency shoulders to evade traffic delays.According to the Ministry of Interior鈥檚 statistics, a total of 24,992 violations for shoulder driving were recorded last year across the UAE. These were distributed as follows:Abu Dhabi: 7,512 violationsDubai: 12,764 violationsSharjah: 3,934 violationsAjman: 363 violationsRas Al Khaimah: 79 violationsUmm Al Quwain: 25 violationsFujairah: 315 violationsAbu Dhabi Police reiterated that the road shoulder is not a lane for regular driving and urged motorists not to let impatience for saving a few minutes jeopardize others鈥 chances of survival. The shoulder is for emergencies only, and drivers must yield the way for those who genuinely need it.鈥淒on鈥檛 Hesitate鈥 Give Way Immediately鈥 campaignIn late May, Abu Dhabi Police and the Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Authority, in cooperation with the Department of Health and the Department of Municipalities and Transport (represented by the Integrated Transport Centre 鈥 Abu Dhabi Mobility), launched the campaign 鈥淒on鈥檛 Hesitate鈥 Give Way Immediately.鈥漈he initiative aims to instill a culture of prompt and responsible response among drivers and to raise public awareness about the critical importance of yielding to emergency vehicles, ensuring their rapid access to accident sites to save lives and protect property.Campaign organizers urged drivers to internalize the campaign鈥檚 principles, noting that every second counts in emergencies such as accidents, fires, or medical crises. While some may hear a siren as just another sound, to others, it represents hope鈥攁nd help on the way. Drivers must act without delay and clear the road immediately.They emphasized that failure to yield can have dire consequences, especially in fires or critical medical situations. Yielding is not just about protecting victims鈥攊t also safeguards emergency crews operating under hazardous conditions and needing safe, swift access to scenes.Quick response times by emergency vehicles are vital to reducing the impact of accidents and fires. Authorities stressed the importance of responsible driving behavior, immediate reaction to sirens, and wise, swift decisions when seeing emergency vehicles on the road..Abu Dhabi Police urges drivers to move vehicles after minor accidents, avoid Dh1,000 fine. 4,291 violations for dangerous driving in 2024Ministry of Interior statistics reveal that traffic departments nationwide recorded 4,291 violations last year for 鈥渄riving in a manner that endangers the driver鈥檚 life, or the lives, safety, or security of others.鈥 These were distributed as follows:Abu Dhabi: 326 violationsDubai: 2,765 violationsSharjah: 541 violationsAjman: 206 violationsRas Al Khaimah: 131 violationsUmm Al Quwain: 47 violationsFujairah: 275 violationsAdditionally, the Ministry reported 96 violations for 鈥渄angerous driving of heavy vehicles,鈥 including:Abu Dhabi: 24 violationsDubai: 62 violationsSharjah: 4 violationsAjman: 1 violationRas Al Khaimah: 2 violationsUmm Al Quwain: 2 violationsFujairah: 1 violationThese figures highlight the ongoing effort to ensure road safety and accountability across the Emirates, particularly during critical situations and high-risk driving conditions..Video: Horrific red-light jumping accidents in Abu Dhabi.Abu Dhabi Police advisory: Six key measures to keep children safe in cars.New fines, guidelines: Abu Dhabi Police crackdown on emergency vehicle violations.Reckless driving exposed: Abu Dhabi Police share videos of pedestrian crossing violation