Dubai: Dubai Police have summoned a tourist and impounded a rented vehicle after he had performed a dangerous stunt on a bend on Sheikh Zayed Road, putting other road users at serious risk. The action followed the circulation of a video clip on social media showing the vehicle suddenly swerving and skidding in a way that is legally prohibited and life threatening.

Brigadier Juma Salem bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, explained that traffic enforcement teams, in cooperation with the Cyber Investigation Department at the General Department of Criminal Investigation, identified and seized the vehicle after the driver was seen carrying out reckless show off manoeuvres. The driver appeared to be boasting about his driving skills while exposing his own life and the lives of others to direct danger.

He added that this type of behaviour is classified as a serious violation that poses an immediate threat to motorists and pedestrians. Investigations confirmed that the driver had entered the country as a tourist and that the vehicle belonged to a car rental office.
Brigadier bin Suwaidan noted that Dubai Police have taken the necessary legal measures and impounded the vehicle in line with strict applicable procedures and the Federal Traffic Law, which criminalises driving a vehicle in a manner that endangers the life, safety or security of the driver or others. The relevant article stipulates a fine of 2,000 dirhams, 23 traffic points, and vehicle impoundment for 60 days, since this offence is considered extremely dangerous and requires firm action to protect lives and property.

He warned that stunt driving, including drifting on bends, is a reckless practice that can lead to loss of control of the vehicle and serious collisions that may result in severe injuries or fatalities, as well as potential damage to public and private property.

Brigadier bin Suwaidan urged all motorists to avoid reckless and irresponsible driving. He stressed that the law punishes drivers who put their own lives or the lives, safety or security of others at risk, or who drive in a way that may damage the road. In such cases, drivers are stopped, their vehicles are impounded and they are referred to the judiciary so that legal action can be taken.

The director of Dubai Traffic Police also reaffirmed that police officers will show zero tolerance towards serious traffic violations to protect all road users, noting that no less than 80 per cent of those who engage in this behaviour have been involved in serious crashes leading to fatalities or severe injuries. He called on the public to support Dubai Police by reporting negative practices through the ‘Police Eye’ service via Dubai Police smart app or by contacting hotline ‘We are all Police’ service on 901.