Distracted driving is a key ingredient of accidents, and many factors can distract motorists while driving including eating, drinking, and smoking, in addition to the usage of mobile phones.
It’s fairly common among UAE motorists to have a cup of coffee or a bite to eat while at the wheel, especially in the mornings, when people are rushing to reach their workplaces on time.
In the UAE, distracted driving accounted for 13 percent of all fatal accidents in 2021, according to data from the Ministry of Interior, ranking it number three in causes of fatal accidents.
He defined a distraction as anything that prevents a driver from focusing on the road and traffic signals, such as using cell phones, surfing the internet, texting, or taking photos or videos while driving.
Moreover, motorists can get distracted while eating as it makes the motorist inattentive while driving. Since eating or drinking could distract drivers, Matta said motorists could face a Dh800 (Around PKR 50,000) fine and four black points for eating, drinking, smoking, or applying makeup while driving.
“It is advised to the motorist to keep both hands on the steering wheel and avoid any activity which hinders their focus on the road and traffic signals while driving,” he said.
