Dubai Police has issued a strong warning to motorists about the dangers of running red lights after the violation was linked to 41 traffic accidents across the emirate since the beginning of the year, resulting in four deaths and 55 injuries.
According to Brigadier Jumaa Salem Bin Suwaidan, running a red light remains one of the most dangerous traffic offences, posing a serious threat to drivers, passengers, and other road users.
He said traffic records show that 41 accidents caused by motorists ignoring red signals have been reported so far this year, leading to four fatalities and dozens of injuries ranging from minor to severe.
Brigadier Bin Suwaidan explained that such violations frequently result in serious collisions at intersections, where vehicles from multiple directions are moving simultaneously, significantly increasing the risk of catastrophic crashes.
He identified several common causes behind the offence, including speeding to save time, distractions caused by mobile phone use while driving, attempting to cross intersections at the last moment before the signal changes, and misjudging speed and stopping distance.
“A matter of seconds can lead to a tragic accident that changes lives forever,” he said, stressing that traffic signals are designed to regulate traffic flow, enhance safety, and ensure smooth movement across Dubai’s road network.
The senior officer emphasised that running a red light is not merely a traffic violation but a reckless act that can have fatal consequences for innocent road users.
Dubai Police urged motorists to comply fully with traffic signals, reduce speed when approaching intersections, maintain safe following distances, stay focused on the road, and avoid crossing on an amber light when it is safe to stop.
Brigadier Bin Suwaidan also highlighted ongoing efforts by Dubai Police to improve road safety through awareness campaigns, stricter traffic enforcement, and the deployment of smart technologies and advanced monitoring systems to detect dangerous driving behaviour.
He concluded by stressing that road safety is a shared responsibility, adding that stopping at a red light is both a legal obligation and a civic duty that helps protect lives and strengthen community safety.
