According to statistics released by the Abu Dhabi Police Traffic and Patrols Directorate, as many as 227 traffic accidents occurred last year due to failure to leave sufficient distance between vehicles, which represent 12% of the traffic accident causes last year. These accidents resulted in 22 deaths and 16 serious injuries.

The Directorate warned motorists against ‘tailgating’ - driving too close to the car in front - with use of headlights and horn to bully the leading vehicle's driver to get out of the way. According to the directorate, “such annoying practices may cause the front vehicle’s driver to lose concentration and focus, thus increasing the number of traffic accidents.”

Colonel Mohammed Saif Al Mazroui, Chief of the Peripheral Regions Traffic Section at the Traffic and Patrols Directorate at Abu Dhabi Police highlighted the dangers of not keeping a safe distance between cars; being one of the major causes leading to traffic accidents that result in deaths and severe injuries.

He also pointed out that failure to leave a safe distance behind vehicles increases the risk of rear-end collisions; whereas drivers may not be able to adequately control their vehicles in a timely manner should the driver ahead of them suddenly or unexpectedly stops; as a result of a variety of reasons that might be related to the driver himself, the vehicle’s mechanical condition or unexpected road surprises. 

Colonel Al Mazroui added: “Such practices aimed at forcing other drivers to make way are considered an aggressive driving against motorists driving on the same lane.” He pointed out that individuals who engage in such behaviors may cause serious traffic accidents that may lead to deaths and injuries.

Furthermore, he stressed the need to intensify control through traffic patrols and traffic Investigation officers on internal and external roads in order to catch violators in the act and render them legally accountable. “Motorists violating the 'safe distance' traffic rule will receive four black points and a fine of Dh400,” said Colonel Al Mazroui; adding that the number of fines issued during last year in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, amounted to 13,976 violations.

In conclusion, Colonel Al Mazroui called upon motorists, especially young people, to be cautious and focused while driving, and to leave a sufficient safe distance between vehicles in order to avoid traffic accidents that lead to losses in lives and property.

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