13,700 tailgating offences recorded in Abu Dhabi road safety crackdown

The introduction of road safety cameras has caught out thousands of reckless drivers in the first half of the year

Police in Abu Dhabi are stepping up their efforts to catch out tailgaters. Pawan Singh/The National

Thousands of tailgating motorists were caught out by Abu Dhabi Police in the first half of the year.

The force said more than 13,700 offences were recorded as part of a major road safety crackdown.

In January, traffic cameras were installed on the roads of the emirate to catch out tailgaters.

Police said drivers who did not leave a safe distance from the vehicle in front of them would be sent a text message warning them that they would be penalised the next time they tailgate.

Motorists face fines of Dh400 and can have four black points on their license for the offence.

Markings have been placed on highways in the capital to indicate the distance drivers should keep their vehicle and other traffic

Alerts are also displayed on smart gates, urging drivers to adhere to the law.

Police set out the dangers of driving too closely to other vehicles, which can prompt fellow motorists to abruptly change lanes and put other road users at risk.

Officers warned drivers not to engage in aggressive road behaviour, such as repeatedly flashing their headlights or honking their car horn in an effort to make drivers in effort give way.

“Such acts divert the attention of the driver which increases the risk of traffic accidents,” said a police statement.

“Road monitoring will be increased on interior and exterior roads to catch violators and fine them.”