Watch: Vehicles overturn after sedan rams pickup truck on Abu Dhabi road

A crash on an Abu Dhabi highway quickly turned into a chain of collisions after motorists stopped in the middle of the road. Footage released by Abu Dhabi Police shows a white vehicle ramming a pickup truck, which is pushed toward the barrier in the leftmost lane before overturning into an adjacent lane.

The impact also appears to have damaged the road surface. Several vehicles then remained stopped on the highway. Some drivers got out and used phone flashlights to warn approaching motorists about the obstruction.

A second clip shows a vehicle blocking two lanes being struck by an approaching car. The driver appears not to notice the obstruction in time, and the impact sets off further collisions involving several other vehicles. One of them eventually overturns.

Abu Dhabi Police warned motorists against distracted driving and stopping in the middle of the road. The authority urged drivers to continue to the nearest exit or a safe location whenever possible.

Slowing down to watch a crash, known as rubbernecking, is a traffic offence in the United Arab Emirates and can result in a Dh1,000 fine. Authorities say the behaviour can obstruct traffic, delay emergency responses and increase the risk of secondary accidents. Stopping without justification can also bring six traffic points. Drivers facing a genuine breakdown should move toward a safe location if possible, or call 999 if the vehicle cannot be moved.

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Rubbernecking is covered by multiple fine categories in the UAE traffic law. It falls under terms like ‘obstructing traffic’ or ‘stopping without cause’.