UAE records 6,014 traffic accidents in a year

Light vehicles accounted for the largest share of traffic accidents in the UAE last year, according to data released by the Ministry of Interior, highlighting ongoing road safety concerns in the country.

A total of 3,834 accidents involved light vehicles, significantly higher than any other category. Motorcycles ranked second with 1,224 incidents, while heavy trucks were linked to 325 accidents.

Smaller but notable figures were recorded across other transport modes. Bicycles were involved in 158 accidents, heavy buses in 131, and electric scooters in 120 cases. Light buses accounted for 115 incidents, followed by e-bikes with 62. Vehicles of unknown type were involved in 31 accidents, while heavy and light mechanical equipment were linked to 13 and one incident respectively, according to figures reported by Al Khaleej newspaper.

In total, the UAE recorded 6,014 traffic accidents during the year. Collisions between vehicles made up the majority with 4,085 cases, while 1,102 involved pedestrians and 800 were rollovers. A further 27 incidents were classified under other categories.

Authorities identified sudden swerving as the leading cause, responsible for 1,074 accidents. Driver distraction followed with 948 cases, while failing to maintain a safe distance caused 849 incidents. Negligence and lack of attention contributed to 661 accidents.

The Ministry of Interior said it had identified up to 160 contributing factors to road accidents, including failure to yield to pedestrians, unsafe overtaking, running red lights, excessive speed relative to road conditions, and tyre blowouts.