Dubai Police have revealed that six people have been killed in road accidents this year caused by drivers using mobile phones behind the wheel.
In the first eight months of this year, the force has recorded 35,527 offences of distracting driving. 50 people were left injured as a result.
Out of the 90 serious traffic accidents recorded in the eight-month period, six people people were killed.
"Distracted driving is a significant problem on the roads and it puts everyone at risk," Maj Gen Saif Al Mazrouei, director of traffic at Dubai Police, said in a statement.
"Drivers using their phones while driving reduces the human reaction to avoid accidents, especially if the driver is browsing social media platforms or texting."
Maj Gen Al Mazrouei said many motorists are not aware that being distracted while driving can cause a threat to their lives and others.
“It's just a matter of few seconds to cause accident and maybe death," he said. "The driver and other innocent people may have to pay the price of that for the rest of their lives."
The force is using smart radars to spot distracted drivers.
Motorists found using mobile phones while driving will be fined Dh800 and receive four traffic points on their licence.
"Dubai Police launched many awareness campaigns about the danger of this offence and displayed clips of serious accidents that have resulted in fatalities, but still some won't understand the danger until they face an accident," Maj Gen Mazrouei added.
The force said sudden swerving, failing to maintain a sufficient distance and speeding were the main reasons behind fatal accidents in Dubai, but using mobile phones while driving was the common factor.
"Dubai Police will intensify the patrols and campaigns to crack down offenders to protect the lives of road users in Dubai."
The bio
Who inspires you?
I am in awe of the remarkable women in the Arab region, both big and small, pushing boundaries and becoming role models for generations. Emily Nasrallah was a writer, journalist, teacher and women’s rights activist
How do you relax?
Yoga relaxes me and helps me relieve tension, especially now when we’re practically chained to laptops and desks. I enjoy learning more about music and the history of famous music bands and genres.
What is favourite book?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower - I think I've read it more than 7 times
What is your favourite Arabic film?
Hala2 Lawen (Translation: Where Do We Go Now?) by Nadine Labaki
What is favourite English film?
Mamma Mia
Best piece of advice to someone looking for a career at Google?
If you’re interested in a career at Google, deep dive into the different career paths and pinpoint the space you want to join. When you know your space, you’re likely to identify the skills you need to develop.
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The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
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The biog
Favourite hobby: taking his rescue dog, Sally, for long walks.
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Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants
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• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.
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THE BIO
Mr Al Qassimi is 37 and lives in Dubai
He is a keen drummer and loves gardening
His favourite way to unwind is spending time with his two children and cooking
THE BIO
Favourite author - Paulo Coelho
Favourite holiday destination - Cuba
New York Times or Jordan Times? NYT is a school and JT was my practice field
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Most wins by a trainer: Godolphin’s Saeed bin Suroor(9)
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