DUBAI (ALETIHAD)
Dubai Police has warned of the serious dangers of stopping in the middle of the road for any reason - including due to vehicle breakdowns, running out of fuel, or tyre failures, and called on drivers to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before setting off.
Under the Federal Traffic Law, stopping in the middle of the road carries a fine of Dh1,000 and a penalty of six traffic points, in addition to a Dh500 fine for obstructing traffic under Article 98.
Brigadier Juma Salem bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Department of Traffic, said that stopping in the middle of the road is one of the most dangerous traffic violations, often leading to severe accidents, fatalities, and serious injuries. He urged motorists to contact the police immediately if a breakdown leaves a vehicle immobile so that it can be secured and procedures followed to protect road users.
The warning followed a tragic collision on Emirates Road in which seven people were killed and nine others injured after a minibus collided with a truck that had stopped in the middle of the road.
Brigadier Juma bin Suwaidan said the Command and Control Centre had received a report of the accident.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the truck had stopped suddenly in the middle of the road due to a technical malfunction. The bus driver, reportedly failing to pay attention and maintain a safe distance, collided with the truck from behind. The accident resulted in seven fatalities and nine injuries, including five serious and four moderate cases. All injured were transported to hospital for treatment,” he added.
The official also confirmed that experts from the Traffic Accident Investigation Section had been deployed to the scene to inspect and collect precise evidence to determine the exact cause of the crash.
"Traffic patrols helped regulate the flow of traffic, secured the site, and facilitated access for rescue vehicles. Teams also removed the damaged truck and bus to restore normal traffic flow," he added.
Brigadier Juma bin Suwaidan said that if vehicle becomes immobile due to technical breakdown or accident, the driver must take preventive measures to avoid further incidents.
"These measures include activating hazard warning lights, ensuring the safety of the driver and passengers, placing a warning triangle behind the vehicle at a safe distance to alert approaching drivers, leaving the vehicle and moving to a safe location away from the road, and finally contacting the police," he advised.