UAE Traffic Accident Statistics: Causes, Trends & Prevention in 2025

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has witnessed a concerning rise in road traffic accidents and fatalities in recent years. Understanding the underlying causes and trends is crucial for implementing effective prevention strategies. This analysis delves into the latest statistics, identifies key contributing factors, and explores measures to enhance road safety.​

Rising Traffic Accidents and Fatalities

In 2024, the UAE recorded 384 road fatalities, marking a 9% increase from 352 deaths in 2023 and a 12% rise from 343 fatalities in 2022. The number of road injuries also escalated to 6,062, reflecting an 8% increase from the previous year. Major accidents totaled 4,748, up by 8% compared to 2023. ​thefinance360.com Gulf Articles wshasia.com Gulf Articles thefinance360.com Aletihad Newspaper

Primary Causes of Road Accidents- UAE Traffic

Authorities have identified several key violations contributing to the majority of road accidents:​wshasia.com Aletihad Newspaper Al Arabiya English

1. Distracted Driving: Engaging in activities that divert attention from driving, such as using mobile phones, led to 776 accidents in 2024. ​Gulf Today

2. Sudden Swerving: Abrupt lane changes without signaling accounted for 827 accidents, making it the leading cause of accidents in 2024. ​Gulf Today Asianet Newsable

3. Tailgating: Not maintaining a safe following distance resulted in numerous collisions, emphasizing the need for adequate spacing between vehicles.​

4. Negligence and Inattention: General carelessness and lack of focus contributed significantly to road mishaps.​

5. Failure to Maintain Lane Discipline: Improper lane usage led to accidents, underscoring the importance of adhering to lane regulations.​

These five violations were responsible for 68% of fatalities and 62% of injuries in 2024.

Vulnerable Demographics

Certain groups have been identified as more susceptible to road accidents:​Asianet Newsable Gulf Articles Al Arabiya English

• Young Drivers (19-29 years): This age group accounted for 40% of fatalities and 42% of injuries in 2024, highlighting the need for targeted awareness programs. ​Aletihad Newspaper

• Motorcyclists and Micro-Mobility Users: Motorcycle fatalities constituted 17% of all road deaths, up from 12% in 2023. Additionally, micro-mobility users, including e-scooter riders, represented 5% of fatalities, an increase from 4% the previous year. ​Gulf Articles Aletihad Newspaper wshasia.com

• Pedestrians: Run-over incidents resulted in 61 fatalities, accounting for 16% of total road deaths. ​wshasia.com Aletihad Newspaper Gulf Articles

High-Risk Areas and Timing

Certain roads and times have been identified as particularly hazardous:​wshasia.com

• Dangerous Roads: Major thoroughfares such as Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Emirates Road, and Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Road have reported higher accident rates. ​Gulf Articles

• Peak Accident Times: Fridays and evening hours have been noted as the most dangerous periods for road users. ​Gulf Articles thefinance360.com Aletihad Newspaper

Prevention Strategies

To mitigate the rising trend of road accidents, several measures are recommended:

1. Enhanced Enforcement: Implementing stricter penalties for traffic violations and increasing law enforcement presence can deter reckless driving behaviors.​

2. Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating drivers about the dangers of distracted driving, tailgating, and other risky behaviors can promote safer driving habits.​Al Arabiya English Aletihad Newspaper Gulf Articles

3. Targeted Education for Young Drivers: Developing programs aimed at young drivers to instill responsible driving practices from the outset.​

4. Infrastructure Improvements: Upgrading road designs, enhancing signage, and improving pedestrian crossings can reduce accident risks.​

5. Vehicle Safety Standards: Encouraging the use of vehicles equipped with advanced safety features can help prevent accidents or reduce their severity.​

Role of "Scrap My Car UAE" in Promoting Road Safety

As a business dedicated to vehicle recycling, "Scrap My Car UAE" plays a pivotal role in enhancing road safety. By facilitating the removal of old, unsafe vehicles from the roads, the company contributes to reducing accidents caused by vehicle malfunctions. Encouraging owners to retire outdated cars and opt for newer, safer models aligns with national efforts to improve road safety standards.​

In conclusion, addressing the rise in traffic accidents in the UAE requires a multifaceted approach involving stricter enforcement, public education, infrastructure enhancements, and the promotion of vehicle safety. Businesses like "Scrap My Car UAE" are integral to this ecosystem, ensuring that only roadworthy vehicles navigate the nation's highways.