Sharjah Police have sounded a stark warning to motorists after recording 267 traffic accidents since the start of the year caused by drivers distracted by mobile phones. The incidents resulted in injuries and varying degrees of material loss—real lives and livelihoods disrupted by moments that could have been avoided.
In a message shared on social channels, the force reminded residents that every number in the tally hides a painful story. A quick glance to read a message, a few seconds to snap a photo, or a casual scroll through social feeds can be enough to end a life or change a family’s future forever.
Distraction is the crash you don’t see coming
Police highlighted the most common risky behaviours behind the wheel:
- Texting or replying to messages
- Scrolling social media
- Taking photos or filming clips
These actions don’t just take eyes off the road—they also steal a driver’s attention and reduce reaction time. At urban speeds, a three-second glance at a screen can mean travelling the length of a football pitch effectively blind.
“Don’t be the next statistic”
Sharjah Police urged drivers to treat the road as a full-attention environment. Their guidance is simple:
- Phone down, eyes up. If it can’t wait, pull over safely before using your device.
- Plan before you go. Set your route, playlist, and do-not-disturb mode before shifting into drive.
- No filming while driving. Memories aren’t worth the risk—save photos and video for when you’re parked.
- Make it a car rule. Passengers can help with navigation and messages so the driver stays focused.
A community responsibility
The Police stressed that compliance with traffic laws is only part of the equation. Road safety is a shared duty—drivers, passengers, and even employers all play a role in discouraging phone use while driving. Companies can back safety policies by promoting device-free driving for staff on duty. Families can set expectations before handing over the keys.
Safer habits that stick
Want to build distraction-free habits? Try these quick wins:
- Activate driving focus modes to silence notifications automatically.
- Mount your phone if you must use navigation; never hold it.
- Use voice commands for hands-free calls in genuine emergencies.
- Schedule check-ins so you’re not tempted to reply on the move.
The bottom line
Sharjah Police’s message is unambiguous: the road is not a place for browsing. The 267 crashes recorded so far this year are not just statistics—they are preventable tragedies. Keep your focus where it belongs and don’t be the next statistic.
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