The road and transport network of UAE is a state of the art that is the partner of millions of automobiles daily. To enforce a hassle-free traffic flow, every driver must follow the rules. Rules of driving are not a book format set of laws. Instead, they are a set of practices in every expert driver’s mind.
Multiple aspects are highlighted, from rubbernecking to tailgating in driving etiquettes. We have mentioned all the do’s and don’ts of Dubai roads in this blog. Read below to find the driving etiquette that must be followed by every safe driver in Dubai.
List of Driving Etiquettes on the Roads of UAE
Every driver should cater to certain driving etiquette, like driving rules enforced by law enforcement agencies.
Here are those driving etiquettes listed below.
Safe following distance
It is usual to see vehicle tailgating in developing countries’ urban areas. But this is different from the UAE. People here generally have etiquette to maintain the distance between vehicles which is 23 meters.
Action after the car breaks down
Make sure to get out of the vehicle and bring it to Roadside if something breaks down in your car. Because it’s very dangerous to stop the vehicle in the middle of the road. It is a big crime and also ethically wrong to do so. You can receive heavy fines from the traffic police of UAE.
Sometimes, a vehicle malfunctions, and you can not do anything. UAE police will help you in that case, and new drivers will also understand your condition. Just turn on your signals so that people may notice the state you are going through. Look for the blind spot and move your car slowly there.
Vehicles being stopped at checkpoints
Being one of the safest countries in the world, UAE has several checkpoints through which cars are stopped for checking. Usually, these checkpoints are built in areas with outskirts and highways.
If asked, it is considered a crime, and you don’t stop the vehicle at these checkpoints. Doesn’t matter where this checkpoint is located, you must stop the vehicle if asked to do so.
Wearing seatbelts
Wearing seatbelts while driving in the car is necessary because it helps save human life in case of accidents. It is a crime in the UAE if you are caught driving without wearing a seatbelt. Also, it is driving etiquette to wear a seatbelt.
Dangers of rubbernecking
Suddenly slowing down the vehicle’s speed to watch uncertain circumstances is known as rubbernecking. It usually happens in case of accidents or any other incidents roadside. This is why every driver sees rubbernecking as bad etiquette.
Therefore, focusing on the traffic flow and ignoring the aftermath of accidents nearby is mandatory. Maintain the average speed and do not gaze at the scene.
Headlight flashing and horns
To alert other drivers on the road, honking and flashing are done. But unnecessarily doing so may lead to severe consequences you cannot handle.
Road speed limits and traffic fines
In order to decrease the rate of accidents, speed limits are set so that vehicles travel safely. It is associated with driving less than the maximum set speed of a specific road. However, it is recommended to drive at optimum speed so that traffic should not be jammed. Similarly, too much speed is also dangerous as it leads to an increase in the number of accidents.
Rules for shoulder driving
Technically, there is a space given at the sides of the road, which is known as the shoulder. A hard shoulder is a specific lane where any driver can put aside their car in case it stops. Also, it is made sure by the law enforcement agencies of UAE that nobody stops their personal or rent a car with driver in dubai on the shoulder without any reason. Only stop your car on the hard shoulder in case of emergency and follow the etiquette.
Tolerance behavior toward each other
Overspeeding to overtake other vehicles, use of slang words and gestures, and swearing are bad driving habits. They are not only bad etiquette but also considered a crime which may lead to legal consequences like imprisonment.
To be a safe driver, you must have tolerance behavior for all nearby drivers. This is the only way safe driving practice is ensured.
Road departure mitigation system
Another more important aspect of driving etiquette and safe driving is following lane discipline. Motorists should drive at an optimum speed and are suggested to stay within their lane. Also, swearing and changing lanes unnecessary should be avoided.
If every driver follows the lane, smooth traffic is ensured. The number of accidents also gets reduced along with less congestion of traffic. Thanks to technology, we now have a road departure mitigation system that lets us know if our vehicle is not in the lane.
Things to Avoid while driving
Any sort of influence, such as drinking, etc., is a very big threat to the driver, their vehicles, and all other nearby vehicles too. There are strict laws set by the UAE government against drunk driving and other drug influence. A driver may face heavy fines or imprisonment in case of influence cases.
Attention to self-driving cars
A new era of self-autonomous vehicles, from taxis to private cars, is now commonly seen on the UAE’s roads. Although this new norm of self-driving vehicles is booming, the driver’s attention can not be compromised.
It is driving etiquette to be attentive and not get involved in gaming, swiping, or sleeping. Self-driving vehicles are, after all, not humans on which we can entirely rely as passengers.
Conclusion
These were the list of driving etiquette that every driver must follow. These unwritten rules ensure a safe driving environment for all the vehicles on the road. Hiring a safe driver in Dubai can solve many problems you may face if you need to be more experienced. Over time, you can also develop these driving etiquettes by observing an expert on steering.