ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Abu Dhabi Police have warned motorists against writing, reading or checking Eid Al Adha greeting messages while driving, stressing that even a brief moment of distraction can lead to serious accidents and put drivers, passengers and other road users at risk.
In a statement on X, the force urged drivers to remain fully focused on the road throughout the holiday period and avoid using mobile phones or social media while behind the wheel.
Police said that motorists should send Eid greetings before starting their journey or after stopping safely, rather than attempting to read or write messages while driving.
Stressing that driver distraction remains one of the main causes of traffic accidents, Abu Dhabi Police explained that even a brief moment of distraction can reduce a driver's ability to control the vehicle, monitor surrounding traffic and respond quickly to sudden changes on the road.
These risks can increase during holiday occasions like Eid, when many drivers receive a high number of greetings and congratulatory messages from relatives, friends and colleagues while travelling between homes, mosques, malls and family gatherings.
Abu Dhabi Police called on drivers to act responsibly, follow traffic laws and help promote a culture of road safety during Eid Al Adha, adding that community cooperation is essential to making roads safer.
The warning comes as part of Abu Dhabi Police's road safety campaign and wider efforts to protect lives and property during the holiday.