Dubai Police warn against driving while ill or feeling tired

Dubai Police warned of the dangers of driving while feeling very tired and sleepy, or in cases of health problems, such as low or high blood sugar, high blood pressure, mental disorders, and unconsciousness, stressing that such cases may cause serious traffic accidents resulting in death or serious injury.

Brigadier Juma Salem Bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Department of Traffic in Dubai Police, said that some drivers may underestimate minor symptoms, but they may turn into a direct cause of a fatal accident in a moment, pointing out that loss of consciousness while driving is one of the most serious causes of serious accidents, where the driver loses control completely within a few seconds, which puts his life and the lives of others at risk.

He added that these incidents confirm the need to ensure that periodic medical examinations are carried out, especially for drivers who suffer from chronic diseases or drive for long periods of time that may lead to physical and psychological exhaustion, increasing the likelihood of sudden health complications. Brigadier Bin Suwaidan also stressed the importance of taking adequate rest during long distance, and stopping immediately upon feeling any abnormal health symptom, dizziness or sudden fatigue.

This came after an accident on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road as a result of the driver suddenly losing control of the vehicle after losing consciousness, which led to the vehicle swerving and colliding with a concrete barrier.

The accident resulted in the injury of two people with injuries ranging from serious to moderate, who were taken to hospital for treatment.

He added that teams were rushed to the scene and started investigations and collected evidence, while traffic patrols organised traffic, secured the site, facilitated the arrival of ambulances and rescue vehicles, and worked to remove the damaged from the road to ensure that traffic returned to normal quickly without disruption.

Bin Suwaidan noted the importance of taking enough rest before driving in anticipation of road surprises, and avoiding fatigue that could endanger the lives of drivers and road users. He also called for adherence to road routes, following traffic safety guidelines, and stopping driving immediately upon feeling exhausted to avoid serious accidents, in order to preserve the safety of all.