You see it often: A driver in Dubai is speeding or failing to use their turn signals. You might think these drivers are just being reckless, but there’s a good chance they’re unaware of what they’re doing wrong. That’s because, in many cases, new residents’ and tourists’ poor driving habits can be attributed to a lack of knowledge about road laws in the UAE. Thankfully, I’m here to help! With these top tips for being a safe driver in Dubai, you’ll never have an accident again.
Avoid driving after dark.
- Avoid driving after dark. You’re most likely to get into an accident between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., so always try to avoid driving at night if possible. If there’s no other option, ensure you are well-rested before getting behind the wheel and have eaten something healthy so you don’t get sleepy while driving (eating high-energy foods like almonds or yogurt can help).
- Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water throughout the day. A minimum of eight glasses per day is recommended! And remember those other liquids: coffee, tea, and soda can also dehydrate us if we’re not careful about how much we consume daily.*
Keep a safe distance between you and the car in front of you.
Keep a safe distance between you and the car in front of you. Safe driving is all about being prepared. This means that when driving, it’s important to know what’s happening on all sides of your vehicle and have enough time to react if something does happen. The general rule for keeping a safe distance between you and another car is 2 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. That may seem like quite a bit, but if there are traffic jams or accidents ahead (which can happen), then this will give you enough time to slow down without hitting someone else’s bumper!
If it’s dark out and visibility isn’t great due to weather conditions such as rain or foggy days where visibility drops off quickly after sunset because most cars don’t have headlights turned on until needed at night, then turn them on now so that way others can see where they’re going better than if nobody had any lights shining upon them whatsoever while driving around town tonight.”
Stop for pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections.
Make sure you stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk. If someone is waiting at an intersection or crosswalk, you must ensure they are safe before proceeding through the intersection. This includes stopping if the pedestrian uses their phone while crossing and using caution when approaching intersections with poor visibility (i.e., driving up on hills).
Watch out for cyclists because they don’t have any protection like cars.
Cyclists are much more vulnerable than drivers, so you should be extra careful when approaching them. They can be difficult to see at night, and they may not always follow traffic laws. If you’re turning left or right and there’s a cyclist in front of your vehicle, make sure that they know your direction before proceeding with the turn. Cyclists also avoid wearing reflective clothing or helmets, so watch for these things!
If a collision occurs between two vehicles on the road (and it’s not your fault), don’t just drive away; stay put until police arrive so they can investigate what happened. This way, both parties involved will know exactly who was responsible for causing damage/injuries during an accident.
Always turn on your lights at dusk and dawn, even if it is just on the highway.
The law requires you to always turn on your lights at dusk and dawn. Even though you may be on the highway and not driving through a residential area, it’s still important to turn on your lights at dusk and dawn. It’s also important for other drivers and pedestrians to be able to see you as well as vice versa.
Stay alert while driving to avoid accidents or road rage incidents.
Many distractions can lead to road accidents, so staying alert at all times while driving is important.
- Keep your eyes on the road, and don’t be distracted by passengers or mobile phones.
- Be aware of your surroundings and other drivers’ behavior. Don’t tailgate other drivers or follow too closely behind them, as this could cause an accident if they brake suddenly or change lanes abruptly.
- Avoid excessive use of horns or flashing headlights at others as it may lead to road rage incidents, which can result in serious injuries or fatalities and damage property worth millions of dirhams (dhs).
Only proceed when approaching an intersection or roundabout when the way is clear. Only try to beat other vehicles through an intersection if there is any doubt about where they are going.
Only proceed when approaching an intersection or roundabout when the way is clear. Only try to beat other vehicles through an intersection if there is any doubt about where they are going.
When driving on multi-lane roads:
- Avoid crossing a lane of traffic that is moving faster than you.
- Avoid crossing a lane of traffic that is moving slower than you.
- Only cross lanes are going in the same direction as yours (this includes entering exit ramps).
Never use a cell phone while driving – even hands-free kits are illegal in Dubai.
Don’t take any chances, no matter how safe you think your driving is. The penalties for breaking the law are severe and can be fatal.
- Fines start at AED 500 (about US$130) and increase with each subsequent offense.
- You could also be ticketed if you’re caught not wearing a seatbelt or failing to have the correct license class for your car type, so make sure these are up-to-date before hitting the road! It is illegal to use a cell phone while driving; even hands-free kits are not allowed.
Conclusion
We hope these tips have helped you understand the importance of following traffic laws and being aware of your surroundings while behind the wheel. Remember that driving is a privilege, not a right – so if you break any laws or endanger others, you could face serious consequences! That’s all we have to say about being a safe driver in Dubai.
