The ten habits below are the ones that turn into fines and accidents in Dubai most often: phone use at the wheel, speeding, tailgating, skipping indicators, and parking where you shouldn’t. Most of them are repeat behaviours rather than one-off mistakes, which is what makes them worth naming.
Using the mobile while you are driving
Never make the mistake of answering a call or texting while driving. Park your car at a safe location first. Focus is everything in driving, and when that is compromised, it can result in serious problems.
Trying to overtake other cars
Take note of three parameters before cutting off cars in front of you: your speed, the speed of the vehicle in front, and the speed of the vehicle behind. Without this, you risk getting sandwiched between two vehicles.
Over-speeding
One of the most common reasons for accidents is over-speeding. Breaching the maximum speed limit can result in a fine or jail term, beyond the risk of losing your life or injuring yourself severely. Speeding is usually a symptom of running late rather than a habit in itself. On the days the schedule is genuinely too tight, an hourly driver removes the temptation by taking the drive off your hands entirely.
Not signaling while turning
Switch on your turning signals when you decide to turn, giving fellow drivers enough time to keep a safe distance and prevent accidents.
Tailgating
Driving too close behind the vehicle in front without leaving enough space is dangerous. Follow the 2-second rule: stay at least 2 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you to prevent collisions.
Not being aware of the blind spots
Always be watchful of the area around your vehicle when driving or switching lanes. Look carefully at the rear-view and side-view mirrors, and look above your shoulder before making a lane-switching choice.
Speeding through a yellow light
A yellow light should signal you to slow down and give enough room for other vehicles to plan their distance, rather than speeding through.
Not giving importance to traffic signals
Skipping the red light can end up causing severe injuries to pedestrians and yourself. A red light often means pedestrians have the right of way to cross, so running it puts them directly at risk.
Incorrect merging
On a freeway, know how to merge at the right time, leaving a safe distance between the vehicle in front and at the back of you, without slowing traffic or zooming past other vehicles in a hurry.
Parking in the places where you shouldn’t
Avoid parking in restricted spots, in places designated for others, in front of schools, red zones, and any other place not defined by the law. Authorities can tow illegally parked vehicles, and you’ll pay hefty fines to get it released.
Breaking the Habit
Most of these habits trace back to the same two things: rushing, and driving when you are too tired to be sharp. Both are far easier to avoid than to correct halfway through a journey, and if the evening has involved a drink, a designated safe driver can bring you and your car home together rather than leaving you to judge it for yourself.