DUBAI // Some people never learn. Police on Wednesday activated radars to detect and issue Dh400 fines to those tailgating on Dubai’s roads.
But in only 20 minutes, The National on Wednesday night saw six motorists driving dangerously close to the cars in front of them, just before the call to end the day’s fasting.
“People’s driving has not changed,” a taxi driver said.
The radars – installed to battle reckless driving responsible for the deaths of 11 people in the first five months of this year – take photos of those who do not leave 5 metres between them and the vehicle in front, when driving at more than 80kph.
“The technologically advanced radars will be able to accurately detect the distance between cars no matter what the speed, and take snapshots of the front and back of the vehicles in all lanes,” said Maj Gen Saif Al Zafeen, assistant chief of operations at Dubai Police.
The dangerous driving seen on Sheikh Zayed Road, between Media City and the Umm Suqeim exit, also defied police pleas for more care while driving to iftar.
The offending drivers pulled up close to the cars in front while trying to overpass.
But most motorists welcomed the cameras. Wassim El Sabeh, 26, from Lebanon, said motorists who posed a danger to others should be penalised.
“There’s nothing worse than someone flashing their lights and tailgating you, especially when you are driving as per the speed limit,” Mr El Sabeh said.
“It’s even worse when you actually indicate that you are willing to switch lanes but are waiting for the right and safe time, and the guy behind you is still adamant about sticking to you.
“Tailgaters should pay more than just Dh400 because it’s the kind of behaviour that can result in disastrous consequences.”
Lebanese-American Jasmin Saliba, 26, agreed that tailgaters should be fined more than Dh400.
“They should pay more than that because they should learn their lesson and understand that it is never OK to tailgate,” Ms Saliba said.
“Dubai Police’s new system is an excellent idea to stop the motorists who are so intimidating and make others feel uncomfortable.
“I drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi at least three times a week and encounter tailgaters almost every time when I am already doing 140kph.”
She said that people in a hurry should leave their homes earlier instead of driving dangerously.
“The worst is when they then take the hard shoulder and pass you from the left side,” Ms Saliba said.
But American Mohamad Darwiche, 26, who admits to occasionally tailgating, said it was very frustrating when motorists drove slowly in the left lane.
“I’m not stupid, I know that it’s dangerous to tailgate others especially if they brake suddenly, but it’s so frustrating when slow drivers are in the fast lane,” Mr Darwiche said.
He said, however, that the Dubai Police initiative to fine tailgaters was a good step.
“I’ll definitely have to think twice now before tailgating someone. I guess I have to be more patient because I know it’s wrong,” Mr Darwiche said.
On top of the Dh400 fine, offenders will receive four black points on their licence.
Police issued almost Dh8 million in fines and nearly 80,000 black points to motorists in the first five months of this year.
dmoukhallati@thenational.ae
nhanif@thenational.ae
