If you’ve ever driven on any road in the United Arab Emirates, you have encountered rubberneckers at one point or another, and if you’re like us, you’re not a fan.
Abu Dhabi police urged motorists to stop ‘staring’ at accidents especially after one occurred at a residential area on the Dubai – Al Ain Road.
Nine people suffered minor injuries when a vehicle crashed into another car that was parked on the side of the road. Authorities including Police and Ambulance vehicles could not attend to the injured quick enough due to large amounts of rubberneckers and bystanders.
“Rubbernecking is considered as an uncivilised type of behaviour that can endanger the lives of other road users. Motorists should not slow down to watch traffic accidents, as doing so can cause further traffic congestion and prevent ambulances from arriving at the scene on time” explained Colonel Ahmad Al Zuwaidi, director of traffic in Al Ain.
The rubbernecking fine was introduced in 2017 as part of the UAE’s revised traffic law. The traffic law also includes an AED 1,000 fine for obstructing or blocking roads during an accident.
Rubberneckers, you have been warned.
