Abu Dhabi Police drive home safety message as crash video racks up millions of views

Abu Dhabi Police have shared a fresh safety message following a viral video of a multi-vehicle crash. The force released footage showing a series of accidents on a main road after an initial two-vehicle collision. Stopping in the road and failing to clear an accident scene led to further dangerous collisions within seconds. The driver of a pick-up truck flipped the vehicle onto the motorway, causing other motorists to slow or stop and some young people to exit their cars and attempt to warn oncoming traffic.

One vehicle stopped on the side of the road in an attempt to shield the group, leading to another crash. Seven vehicles were damaged, and five individuals were injured, with four sustaining minor injuries and the Nissan Patrol driver experiencing moderate injuries. The senior police officer, Brig Musallam Al Junaibi, emphasized that releasing such footage was crucial to raising awareness of dangerous road behavior.

He stressed that many accidents in the UAE occur due to distraction, and by focusing while driving, motorists could prevent many traffic accidents. Junaibi explained that the initial crash brought traffic to a halt, but the rubbernecking effect caused other drivers to slow or stop, creating a chain reaction. He noted that rubbernecking could turn deadly, as the Nissan Patrol might have struck the Land Cruiser driver-side door instead of its rear, resulting in a more severe outcome.

The injured Land Cruiser driver and all passengers were later discharged from the hospital. Junaibi cautioned that motorists who attempt to help by stopping on a motorway to alert others may face greater risks. He reiterated the importance of taking proper action, prioritizing safety, and urged drivers to move their vehicles to the nearest exit or safe location if possible.

If moving the vehicle isn't feasible, drivers should contact police on 999 and wait in a secure area for assistance. The senior officer emphasized that one second of distraction can lead to a serious accident on the highway, underscoring the dangers of motorists taking their eyes off the road. Abu Dhabi Police advised motorists involved in a crash to move their vehicle to the nearest exit or safe location whenever possible, or to contact the command and control center at 999 and wait in a safe location for police assistance.