Abu Dhabi - Distracted driving claimed the lives of 59 motorists in the UAE during 2018.
Published: Tue 16 Apr 2019, 2:20 PM
Updated: Tue 16 Apr 2019, 9:24 PM
Modern technology should be used to check the growing use of mobile phones by motorists while driving, experts at a traffic workshop in Abu Dhabi recommended.
The workshop, which was organised by the Abu Dhabi Police in coordination with the public prosecutors, also suggested that latest devices should be introduced on roads of the Capital to detect such violators to reduce accidents.
There has been a spike in the number of drivers using their mobile phones to call or text while at the wheel, which results in serious crashes due to distraction.
Distracted driving claimed the lives of 59 motorists in the UAE during 2018, according to UAE traffic authorities.
Traffic laws in Abu Dhabi ban drivers from texting, taking photos, eating or even applying makeup while driving.
The Abu Dhabi Police had in 2017 fined 30,402 motorists on Abu Dhabi roads for using their mobile phones while behind the wheel.
Those found getting distracted in such a way are fined Dh800 and four traffic points, according to number 32 of traffic law.
Brigadier Khalifa Mohammed Al Khaili, director of the Traffic and Patrols Directorate at Abu Dhabi Police, said: "The workshop was on determining the accuracy of traffic reports and developing appropriate solutions to the negative effects of using mobile phones while driving, especially causing serious accidents when drivers get distracted."
"Talking on mobile phones or texting while driving causes serious accidents that result in death, injuries and financial losses," he added.
Al Khaili pointed out: "Motorists should avoid using phones while driving because it breaks their concentration and could lead the vehicle to veer off its lane, which could result in mishaps."
Police also warned motorists from taking pictures or 'selfies' while driving because it affects the attention of the driver and hampers their response to traffic movements, making them jump a red signal or swerving into another lane without notice.
According to traffic experts, using a phone while driving delays a driver's response and can cause accident.
"Drivers engaged in their mobile phones is a daily sight in the UAE. Driving must take our full concentration, because many unfortunate things can happen if we are distracted," according to experts from Roadsafetyuae.com.
The experts noted that answering a text takes away the driver's attention for about five seconds, as texting when driving causes a 400 per cent increase in time spent with eyes off the road.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com
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