Dubai: As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance traffic safety and promote a culture of responsible driving, the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, through its Traffic Awareness Section, has organised a series of educational workshops focused on the risks of failing to maintain a safe distance between vehicles. 

The initiative aligns with the Ministry of Interior’s nationwide campaign to prevent tailgating.

More than 53 participants from various community segments attended the sessions, including people of determination and delivery drivers from the company “Deliveroo.” The workshops aimed to raise their awareness of road safety basics and the importance of keeping a safe distance while driving.

Preventing Rear-End Collisions Through Education

Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, stated that these workshops are part of an integrated strategy to reduce rear-end collisions—one of the most common types of road accidents, often caused by tailgating.

He stressed that maintaining a safe distance is one of the fundamental pillars of road safety. “It gives drivers the time and space to respond to emergencies, such as sudden stops or unexpected changes in road conditions. Neglecting this can endanger lives and lead to serious injuries and financial losses,” he said.

Interactive Learning and Practical Guidance

The workshops featured interactive demonstrations highlighting the differences between safe and unsafe driving practices. Participants were taught how factors such as speed, vehicle type, road conditions, and visibility affect the appropriate following distance.

In addition, attendees received a set of practical road safety tips designed to help them make safer driving decisions and better manage distance on the road.

Al Mazrouei also noted that tailgating is classified as a serious traffic offence under UAE law, carrying a fine of AED 400 and four black points on the driver’s record. “This underlines the offence’s significance within the country’s traffic enforcement framework,” he added.

Field Campaigns and Targeted Outreach

To support the campaign, Dubai Police distributed educational brochures and awareness materials across various media platforms. Officers also conducted on-the-ground outreach in high-traffic areas, in addition to holding awareness lectures in government and private institutions. Special attention was given to high-risk groups such as professional drivers and delivery riders.

Al Mazrouei concluded by reaffirming Dubai Police’s commitment to combining educational initiatives with strict enforcement. “We will continue deploying patrols across key roads to monitor violations and ensure the highest levels of road safety throughout the emirate,” he said.