6 safety measures drivers must adhere to in the event of their vehicle breaking down on the road

The Abu Dhabi Police have identified six safety measures that drivers must adhere to in the event of their vehicle breaking down on the road. These include moving away from the road and head to the nearest safe emergency parking spot, and to avoid being inside the broken-down vehicle or on the road for the safety of the driver. In the event of an emergency, drivers are advised to utilise the right-hand side of the road only when it is absolutely necessary. It is also recommended that a reflective emergency triangle be placed behind the vehicle at a safe distance to alert other road users. Furthermore, drivers should engage the four-way warning signals and call the emergency number (999) to request assistance.

The Abu Dhabi Police Department shared a video via its social media platforms, delineating the procedures to be followed in the event of a vehicle breakdown. This was conducted as part of the "Safety Path 2" campaign. The campaign employs digital traffic awareness to promote compliance with safety protocols in the event of a vehicle breakdown. The video places particular emphasis on the importance of avoiding being inside a broken-down vehicle, staying off the road, and heading to the nearest safe parking spot.

A Ministry of Interior report has revealed that the number of road accidents caused by drivers failing to take the necessary precautions to ensure safety when their vehicle breaks down reached 1,272 in 2023, across the country.

The statistics demonstrated that the number of accidents in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi reached 188, 778 in Dubai, 125 in Sharjah, 36 in Ajman, 8 in Umm Al Quwain, 113 in Ras Al Khaimah, and 24 in Fujairah.

The Traffic and Security Patrols Directorate of Abu Dhabi Police urges drivers to refrain from stopping in the middle of the road for any reason. It stresses the importance of maintaining focus on the road and avoiding distractions while driving. It highlights the potential consequences of inattention, including traffic accidents that can result in deaths and serious injuries, as well as legal accountability.

It also stressed the necessity of ensuring safe driving in general by adhering to the specified speeds, utilising traffic lights to alert other drivers to change lanes, maintaining a sufficient safe distance behind vehicles, and paying attention at red traffic lights.