The Ministry of Interior recently introduced fresh regulations which impose penalties on individuals who gather near or enter flooded valleys or dams during inclement weather. As per the new rules, violators may face fines of up to DH 2,000, receive 23 black points on their driving record, and have their vehicles confiscated for a duration of two months.
Other allied regulations of similar nature are:
Assembling near valleys, flooded areas and dams during stormy weather will attract a fine of Dh 1000 and six black points. Curbing the concerned authorities in any which ways while they attempt to regulate the traffic, or ambulance or rescue vehicles during any form of crises will face a fine of Dh 1000, four black points and 60 day confiscation of vehicles.
The objective of the ministry behind passing these regulations was to reinforce the said guidelines and to spread the message and importance of safety protocol and its strict observance.
The surreal views and misty weather tempt a lot of people to take monsoon breaks and go for drives. However, our landscape also comprises of low-lying areas, the speed of the downpour wherein, is highly unpredictable under certain weather conditions. Heavy flow of water can cause losing of traction and control of the motorist and hence, cause drifting.
Previously, the National Centre of Meteorology in the UAE have issued warnings to the motorists, particularly for crossing the valleys during rains. In the 2022 rains of January, the Dubai police handled 41, 221 calls including those made to the emergency hotline and the Dubai police call centre.
The UAE rescue group, a rescue operations team with highly trained personnel and state-of-the-art equipment, have served the community in its most desperate times of need. The rescue team commented that many individuals unintentionally drive into the face of valleys without comprehending the rapidity of the water levels. Before one knows, the force of the currents can overpower them.
Brig-Gen Engineer Hussein Al Harthi, the chairman of the Federal Traffic Council stated that this law will facilitate discipline among motorists and pedestrians. He also added that lane discipline, traffic obedience and civil defence is of utmost importance.
