Many motorists in the UAE are accustomed to sipping coffee or grabbing a quick bite during their commute, especially in the busy morning rush. But what many don’t realize is that such seemingly harmless habits could lead to serious consequences on the road — including fines and black points.
According to the UAE Ministry of Interior, distracted driving was responsible for 13 percent of all fatal traffic accidents in 2021, making it the third leading cause of deadly crashes in the country. The dangers of distractions while driving go far beyond mobile phone use — they also include eating, drinking, smoking, or even applying makeup behind the wheel.
Recently, the Integrated Transport Centre of Abu Dhabi highlighted via social media that eating or drinking while driving can increase the risk of accidents by up to 80 percent. Their campaign urges motorists to remain fully focused when driving, as reduced distractions correlate with fewer road accidents.
Legal expert Navandeep Matta, based in Dubai, explains that the UAE’s traffic laws under Ministerial Resolution No. 178 of 2017 broadly define driver distraction. It encompasses anything that causes drivers to lose focus on traffic conditions, signals, and surroundings. That includes using mobile phones, texting, taking videos, browsing, and eating while behind the wheel.
Motorists found guilty of driving while distracted may be penalized with a fine of Dh800 and receive four black points on their driving license. These penalties apply to a range of activities such as eating, drinking, smoking, or grooming while operating a vehicle. Drivers are strongly advised to keep both hands on the steering wheel and to avoid multitasking that takes attention away from the road.
Thomas Edelmann, managing director of Road Safety UAE, emphasized that distraction remains a major issue among young drivers. A study revealed that 38 percent of drivers aged 18 to 24 admitted to getting occasionally distracted. He pointed out that taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds while driving at 100 km/h means you’re essentially “driving blind” for 55 meters.
While eating and drinking did not make the top ten list of driver distractions, they still affected 20 percent of motorists, posing risks due to the combination of manual, visual, and mental diversions.
Top 10 driver distractions in the UAE include:
- Actions of other motorists
- Conversations with passengers
- Changing music or radio stations
- Adjusting temperature controls
- Misbehaving children in the vehicle
- Complex intersections and routes
- Interpreting road signs
- Using mobile devices
- Reading maps or GPS
- Reaching for items inside the car
To maintain concentration, drivers often use methods such as listening to music, drinking coffee, and relying on the presence of police or speed cameras. However, the most effective method for staying focused was simply driving alone, the study found.
Experts are urging all motorists in the UAE to be mindful of these distractions to enhance overall road safety. Distractions can result in sudden lane changes, tailgating, poor judgment, and other high-risk behaviors on the road.
