ABU DHABI, UAE, July 13: Reckless and intrusive behavior by motorists at accident scenes remains a significant cause of traffic jams and delays to emergency response across the UAE. Drivers often slow down or stop out of curiosity to view damaged vehicles, especially on highways, which leads to considerable traffic disruptions.

Statistics released by the Ministry of Interior reveal that traffic departments across the country issued 630 fines in 2024 for obstructing traffic during road accidents. In addition, 325 violations were recorded for failure to give way to emergency vehicles, including ambulances, police, and official convoys.

The Ministry of Interior and Abu Dhabi Police have urged motorists through their official websites and social media platforms to clear the way for emergency vehicles and ensure swift access to accident sites. Officials emphasized that “every second counts during emergencies,” warning that delays caused by traffic obstruction can worsen situations, particularly in cases involving fires or critical medical emergencies.

The Abu Dhabi Police General Command highlighted that reckless behavior at accident scenes is a major factor in causing traffic congestion, especially on highways, and obstructs emergency and ambulance vehicles racing to assist the injured. Numerous complaints have been received from both drivers and patrol officers about motorists who stop out of curiosity, resulting in long delays.

In an awareness campaign, Abu Dhabi Police described such behavior as uncivilized and a violation of others’ rights, stressing that it severely hampers emergency response efforts, especially on roads that lack designated shoulders for emergency vehicles.

The 630 fines issued for traffic obstruction during accidents were distributed as follows: Abu Dhabi recorded 87 violations, Dubai 411, Sharjah 71, Ajman 4, Ras Al Khaimah 30, and Umm Al Quwain 27.

Under UAE law, penalties for failing to yield to emergency or official vehicles include a fine of AED 3,000, 30-day vehicle impoundment, and 6 traffic points.

In collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Authority, Department of Health, and Department of Municipalities and Transport (represented by the Integrated Transport Centre), Abu Dhabi Police launched the campaign “Don’t Hesitate, Give Way to Emergency Vehicles Immediately.” This initiative encourages drivers to act responsibly and reminds the public that timely cooperation can save lives by enabling emergency vehicles to reach accident scenes faster.

The campaign outlines six key guidelines for drivers at accident scenes: on main roads, drivers must move immediately to the far right lane upon hearing sirens or seeing emergency lights; during congestion, the road shoulder must be kept clear for emergency vehicles; on internal roads, drivers should move aside promptly as emergency vehicles may pass between lanes; at intersections, drivers must clear the area immediately and yield without crossing red lights, stopping completely if on side roads even when their light is green; at roundabouts, drivers should avoid entering upon hearing sirens and exit at the earliest opportunity if already inside; and on two-way roads, all vehicles from both directions must pull over to the far right to allow emergency vehicles, which may travel down the center.

According to UAE traffic laws, obstructing traffic during an accident results in a AED 1,000 fine, while obstructing traffic in other situations carries a AED 500 fine. Failing to give way to emergency or official vehicles is punishable by a AED 3,000 fine, 30-day vehicle impoundment, and 6 traffic points.

Authorities continue to remind drivers that giving way to emergency vehicles is not merely optional but a moral and legal duty crucial to saving lives on UAE roads.