VIDEO: Dubai Police’s smart camera catch motorist reading newspaper while driving on busy road

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, has emphasised that Dubai Police are actively investing in smart traffic technologies to promote road safety and security and to enforce traffic regulations effectively.

Al Mazrouei noted that these advanced systems are designed to detect various violations, such as not wearing seat belts, mobile phone usage, and other distractions from the road.

Impressively, they can capture these violations even if the vehicle’s windscreen is tinted.

Dubai Police's advanced smart traffic cameras have recently identified serious cases of distracted driving, highlighting the risks posed by such behaviours.

In one instance, a driver was caught using two phones at once while driving, while another was seen reading a newspaper, obstructing her view of the road.

To raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving, Dubai Police released an educational video as part of its ongoing #Safe_Road_for_Everyone campaign to promote safe driving practices across the community.

According to Al Mazrouei, Dubai Police detected these violations through its investment in smart traffic systems designed to enhance road safety.

"The use of these technologies supports Dubai's objective of becoming a global leader in traffic safety and aligns with the strategic goal of reducing road accident fatalities," he confirmed.

Al Mazrouei warned that distracted driving carries severe consequences under recent amendments to Decree No. (30) 2023 concerning vehicle impoundment, drivers caught using mobile phones or other distractions while behind the wheel may face a 30-day vehicle impoundment.

He explained that releasing the awareness video is part of a broader effort to improve road safety, increase awareness among all road users, and reduce serious traffic accidents.

"This initiative also aims to foster a culture of responsible driving across Dubai," he confirmed.

Al Mazrouei concluded by reaffirming Dubai Police's commitment to achieving its vision of a safe city and promoting public happiness by reinforcing safe driving practices such as adhering to speed limits, heeding road signs, maintaining a safe distance between vehicles, avoiding phone use while driving, respecting pedestrian crossings, giving way to emergency vehicles, and consistently wearing seat belts.