Abu Dhabi Police Issue Urgent Safety Warning After Viral Crash Video Highlights Dangers of Stopping on Highways

Abu Dhabi Police have delivered a fresh safety message to the public after shocking footage of a multi-vehicle crash in the emirate went viral online. The force released footage on Friday documenting a series of traffic accidents that unfolded following an initial two-vehicle collision on a main road.

The video demonstrates how stopping in the middle of the road and failing to clear the site of an accident can lead to dangerous secondary collisions within seconds. The initial incident occurred when a driver collided with a pick-up truck, flipping it onto the motorway. Other motorists subsequently slowed or stopped to look at the scene, prompting a group of young drivers to exit their vehicles in an attempt to warn oncoming traffic.

One motorist stopped a white Land Cruiser across the lane, apparently intending to shield the group of pedestrians on the road. Shortly after, a Nissan Patrol crashed into the rear of the Land Cruiser. According to Brig Musallam Al Junaibi, director of traffic violations collection at Abu Dhabi Police’s traffic department and patrols, seven vehicles were damaged and five people were hurt, with four sustaining minor injuries and the Nissan driver suffering moderate injuries.

The dramatic footage accumulated millions of views on social media. Brig Al Junaibi emphasized that releasing such videos is vital for raising awareness about dangerous road behavior. "We have many campaigns and initiatives to boost awareness among drivers to improve their behaviour," Brig Al Junaibi stated, adding that many UAE accidents stem from distraction.

Brig Al Junaibi warned that rubbernecking can quickly turn deadly, noting that if the Nissan had struck the Land Cruiser's driver-side door instead of its rear, the outcome likely would have been fatal. While acknowledging that the motorists who attempted to warn others were well-intentioned, he cautioned that stopping on a motorway to help places people at even greater risk.

Abu Dhabi Police urged motorists involved in a crash to move their vehicles to the nearest exit or safe location whenever possible. If a vehicle cannot be moved, drivers should contact the command and control centre on 999 and wait in a safe location for police assistance.