Don't film dusty weather while driving, say Abu Dhabi Police

The force urged motorists to remain focused on the road during challenging conditions

Abu Dhabi Police issued a warning to motorists over the dangers of using mobile phones to film dusty weather conditions when behind the wheel.

Thick dust blanketing the skies of the capital reduced visibility to less than 500 metres today.

The force urged people to remain focused on the road during hazardous weather.

“Motorists are urged to be cautious due to low visibility during high winds and dust. For your safety please don’t be distracted by taking any videos or using your phone,” said Abu Dhabi Police in a tweet.

More than 105,000 drivers were fined in the first half of the year for being distracted while driving.

Offences such as using mobile phones or eating, drinking and smoking while driving carry a Dh800 fine and four black points.

“Motorists can be distracted while using their phones to send WhatsApp messages or browsing social media platforms or taking pictures. Being distracted can cause severe accidents and fatalities,” said Abu Dhabi Police in a recent safety notice.

A wadi overflows with water after heavy rain in Sharjah on Sunday afternoon. Photo: National Centre of Meteorology

Ras Al Khaimah was lashed by heavy rain and high winds on Sunday afternoon as a summer of unstable weather continued. Photo: NCM

Road workers carry a barrier which was dragged by strong winds in the Musaffah area of Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Afternoon dusty weather due to high winds at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

A dust alert was issued on Sunday, August 14 as the UAE braced for several days of heavy rainfall and high winds. Victor Besa / The National

The National Centre of Meteorology said visibility had dropped below 500 metres in many parts of the country, including over Abu Dhabi International Airport. Victor Besa / The National

Abu Dhabi residents get their PCR tests in the Musaffah area during the dusty weather. Victor Besa / The National

Sandstorm affecting visibility on the Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. Ramola Talwar/ The National

People woke to thick clouds of dust blanketing the skylines of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with many large buildings barely visible under the haze. Ramola Talwar/ The National

Members of the public were asked to follow guidance from authorities as strong winds kicked up sand and dust, greatly reducing visibility. Ramola Talwar/ The National

Drivers on the Eastern Mangroves Road in Abu Dhabi were urged to take care during Sunday's dusty weather. All pictures by Victor Besa / The National

It was a hazy day from the early hours of Sunday.

Police urged drivers to take care as visibility dipped below 500 metres in some parts of the country.

Dust hung in the air, greatly reducing visibility.

The National Centre of Meteorology said the dusty conditions could continue until early afternoon.

The gloomy skies are expected to be followed by rainfall later in the day and throughout the week.

Workers making an early start on Sunday in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, were greeted by dusty weather.

It was an unsettled start to the day along the Corniche in the capital.

Visibility was significantly reduced.

Police called on drivers to be vigilant during the challenging conditions.

Distracted driving contributes to motorists suddenly veering into other lanes or abruptly reducing their speed, putting themselves and other road users at risk.

Distracted driving was one of the five most common traffic offences that caused more than 2,000 accidents in the UAE last year, according to the Ministry of Interior.

Figures on the ministry’s website show that distracted driving, sudden swerving between lanes, and failing to maintain a safe distance between vehicles were high on the list of traffic offences recorded in the UAE in 2021.

The ministry shared a message online on Sunday calling on motorists to follow speed limits, stay in their lane, not use hazard lights and keep a safe distance between vehicles.