Drivers urged to be extra careful on roads as UAE schools reopen

MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)

As students head back to classrooms, roads around Abu Dhabi schools get busier than usual. Observing speed limits, parking rules, and safe driving habits is crucial to ensuring a safe commute for children and others on the move.

Abu Dhabi Police have urged drivers to stop completely, from both directions, whenever a school bus displays its side “STOP” sign, keeping at least five metres away to ensure students can cross safely.

Motorists’ failure to stop completely when a school bus deploys its stop sign can result in a Dh1,000 fine and 10 black traffic points, while bus drivers who don’t deploy the sign or follow traffic instructions face a Dh500 fine and 6 black traffic points.

Drivers are generally urged to slow down, watch for children crossing, and pay attention to road signs in school zones, where the speed limit is 30kmph.

Exceeding the maximum speed limit by no more than 20kmph can result in a Dh300 fine, while going over by 30kmph carries Dh600.

Fines increase progressively with higher speeds: Dh700 for 40kmph; Dh1,000 for 50kmph; Dh1,500 and 6 black points for up to 60kmph; Dh2,000 and 12 black points for 60-80kmph; and Dh3,000 and 23 black points for exceeding the limit by more than 80kmph.

Driving a vehicle in residential areas or around educational institutions and hospitals in a way that endangers others incurs a Dh400 fine and 4 black traffic points.

Staying focused behind the wheel is mandatory: using mobile phones or engaging in other distractions, such as eating or drinking, while driving carries fines of Dh800 and 4 black traffic points.

The UAE traffic law also stipulates that stopping vehicle on pedestrian crossings is considered an offence punishable by a fine of Dh400 to Dh500, while failing to give priority to pedestrians at crossings can result in a Dh500 penalty and 6 black traffic points.

Parents are expected to use designated school pick-up and drop-off zones to maintain traffic flow and keep children safe.

Seat belts and child safety measures are mandatory to protect young passengers. Children under 10 or shorter than 145cm must sit in the back, and youngsters up to four years of age must always use a child safety seat. Failure to comply will result in a Dh400 fine.

Motorists who fail to fasten their seat belt while driving face a Dh400 fine and 4 black traffic points. A Dh400 penalty also applies if any passenger is not wearing a seat belt.