Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

One person died in a run-over accident on Sheikh Zayed Road after a vehicle stopped on the road shoulder, according to Dubai Police. The fatal incident happened before Al Yalayis Bridge on the highway heading towards Abu Dhabi on Monday (March 9). Police said the crash began when two vehicles were involved in a minor collision. Both drivers stopped on the left road shoulder next to the fast lane, an area where stopping is not allowed except in emergencies. Brigadier Juma bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, said one of the drivers stepped out of his vehicle to inspect the damage. “At that moment, another vehicle approaching from behind encountered him on the roadway. Due to the vehicle’s speed and the short distance, the driver was unable to avoid him, resulting in the victim being run over and dying at the scene,” he said. Authorities said the incident highlights the dangers of stopping in unsafe locations on busy highways. Brigadier bin Suwaidan said excessive speed and failure to maintain a safe following distance contributed to the severity of the crash. He urged motorists to remain attentive while driving and to anticipate unexpected situations on the road. Police also warned that stopping unnecessarily on the shoulder is a serious traffic violation that can lead to dangerous situations. “The road shoulder is designated strictly for emergency situations such as sudden vehicle breakdowns or medical emergencies and must not be used for any other purpose,” bin Suwaidan explained. Motorists experiencing car trouble are advised to move their vehicles to the safest possible location, ideally on the right side of the road or in a designated parking area away from traffic. Dubai Police said it will continue enforcing strict penalties against dangerous traffic behaviour that puts lives at risk. ICA/Expat Media
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