Motorcyclist killed in Sheikh Zayed Road crash after truck stops on hard shoulder

A motorcyclist lost his life this morning in a fatal crash on Sheikh Zayed Road after colliding with a truck that had stopped on the hard shoulder before the Arabian Ranches Bridge towards Abu Dhabi.

Dubai Police said the accident occurred when the truck halted on the road shoulder due to a technical malfunction, creating a serious hazard for oncoming vehicles. The motorcyclist, approaching from behind, failed to spot the stationary truck in time. In an attempt to avoid impact, he swerved suddenly but crashed, suffering severe injuries that proved fatal at the scene.

Brigadier Juma bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Department of Traffic, said the tragedy underscores the extreme danger of stopping on hard shoulders. “The shoulder of the road is reserved only for emergencies such as sudden breakdowns or medical issues. Any other use is a serious violation that often leads to deadly accidents,” he explained.

He noted that Dubai Police record near-daily accidents linked to unsafe stops on road shoulders, many of them resulting in injuries or fatalities. Motorists are urged to move their vehicles to the far-right safe lane or the nearest designated parking area if they face a breakdown, instead of stopping on highways.

The Brigadier also stressed the importance of preventive measures, including regular vehicle maintenance, activating hazard lights and warning triangles in emergencies, and maintaining safe distances and legal speeds. He added that driver distraction, such as mobile phone use, remains a major contributor to serious crashes.

“Speeding, negligence, and unsafe stops are a lethal combination,” Brigadier bin Suwaidan warned, vowing that Dubai Police will continue enforcing strict penalties against motorists who put lives at risk.