UAE has a state-of-the-art road and transport network that can cater to millions of vehicles daily. That said, with the myriad of vehicles on the road, drivers must follow driving etiquette for hassle-free traffic flow. Driving etiquette is a set of unwritten rules that ensure the safety of all road users. Driving etiquette highlights multiple aspects ranging from tailgating to rubbernecking.
Here we have mentioned all the driving etiquette in UAE that should be followed while driving.
List of UAE Driving Etiquette
Similar to driving rules in UAE there is certain driving etiquette that every driver should cater to. Adhering to these etiquettes ensures a positive and safe driving environment for all.
Let’s elaborate on these driving etiquettes in more detail.
Steer Clear of Tailgating
Tailgating is driving too closely to the other vehicles and leaving no distance in between. To avoid tailgating, a safe following distance should be maintained between the vehicles. A general rule of thumb is to maintain a distance of 2 seconds. For instance, when driving at a speed of 40km/h, the distance should be 23 metres.
Pull Car aside after Breakdown
The second driving etiquette is to pull your vehicle on the roadside immediately when it breaks down. Vehicle malfunctioning is unpredictable and any driver can suffer from it while driving. However, remember that stopping a car in the middle of the road In Dubai or other Emirates is a crime and is also against driving ethics. That said, when your vehicle breaks down, activate your turn signals, look for the blind spot and slowly move your car to the roadside.
Stop at Checkpoints
UAE is counted as one of the safest countries in the world. Therefore, it is unlikely to find a police checkpoint in the country that stops vehicles for checking. However, you can find some checkpoints when travelling on highways or in outskirts areas.
Regardless of where the checkpoint is, drivers should slow down at the point and stop the vehicle if asked to. Failing to stop is not only a criminal offence but also against driving etiquette.
Wear Seatbelts
Wearing seatbelts while driving is necessary to protect drivers and passengers in the car from an accident. Driving without a seat belt is already a criminal act and also against driving etiquette.
Avoid Rubbernecking
Rubbernecking is an act of slowing down the vehicle to witness an accident or any other incident on the roadside. Dangers of rubbernecking include traffic flow disturbance and can even cause secondary accidents. This is why rubbernecking is strictly against driving ethics and etiquette.
Therefore, in case of an accident on the roadside maintain your focus on the traffic flow. Avoid gazing at the incident and maintain a steady speed to cross the scene.
Adhere to Speed Limits
Speed limits are set to make sure that vehicles travel in a safe environment with lower accident risks. Generally, the speed limit is associated with driving under the maximum road speed limits in the UAE. However, catering to the speed limit is to drive at an optimum speed to avoid traffic blockage and accidents.
For instance: when manoeuvring around the city, the ideal speed limit is 40 km/h. However, it is 140 km/h when driving in the fast lane or on major highways. Drivers not adhering to the speed limit will be subjected to traffic fines in Abu Dhabi and other Emirates.
Do not Stop at Hard Shoulders Unnecessary
A hard shoulder is a lane on the highway that is a safe place for vehicles to pull aside in case of an emergency or breakdown. Therefore, stopping at hard shoulder lanes without any proper reason contradicts driving etiquette and is also a crime. When stopping at a hard shoulder for an emergency, you should follow all the rules for shoulder driving in the UAE.
Stay Away from Road Rage
Swearing, using offensive hand gestures and overspeeding to overtake vehicles are driving habits that can lead to legal consequences and even imprisonment. Motorists should respect and have tolerating behaviour towards each other to ensure safe driving practices.
Follow Lane Discipline
Following lane discipline is an important aspect of driving etiquette and safe driving practice. Motorists should stay within their lane and drive at an optimum speed. Moreover, unnecessary lane changing or swerving should be avoided.
Catering to the lane discipline ensures smooth traffic flow and also reduces the chances of accidents and traffic congestion. Modern cars are equipped with advanced features such as a road departure mitigation system that aids motorists to drive within their lane.
Avoid Driving Under the Influence
Driving under any sort of influence is a threat to yourself and all the other vehicles on the road. The UAE government has strict rules and regulations against driving under influence and tops the list of things to avoid while driving. There is a separate law that governs driving under the influence cases and the offender may be imprisoned or have to pay heavy traffic fines.
Be Attentive while Driving Autonomous Vehicles
Self-driving cars are the new norm in the automobile industry. Ranging from autonomous flying taxis to self-driving private cars, autonomous vehicles are a common sight in the UAE. However, despite being autonomous, the driver’s attention is required.
According to the driving etiquette in UAE, drivers should be attentive while driving autonomous vehicles. Sleeping, playing games or simply not paying attention while in an autonomous vehicle can lead to accidents and other severe consequences.
Avoid Horning and Headlight Flashing
Honking and flashing headlights are used to alert other drivers, ask for space or to get their attention. However, unnecessary honking and headlight flashing can be both dangerous and annoying. Unnecessary honking can lead to traffic fines of up to AED 400 and 4 black points in Dubai and other Emirates.
This was the complete list of driving etiquette in the UAE that every driver must follow. The driving etiquettes are unwritten rules that ensure a safe driving environment for all. Modern vehicles are equipped with advanced safety features that assist drivers in maintaining a safe driving environment. If you are also interested in availing of these features, browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE and buy a modern car with advanced safety features for yourself.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s auto blog for more information on driving rules in UAE.
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