ABU DHABI - Sending and receiving SMS and calls while driving are risky and should be avoided, especially during festivals, warned a
police official.

Colonel Hamad Adeel Al Shamsi, director of Traffic and Patrols Department, Abu Dhabi Police, advised drivers not to answer, read or write text messages while driving, especially during the ongoing Eid holidays.

He cautioned that such acts could distract motorists and lead to accidents. "The studies and analyses on the causes of traffic accidents have shown that writing text messages while driving reduces the concentration of the driver," said Al Shamsi.

He stressed the keenness of Abu Dhabi Traffic Police on curbing such practices by issuing tickets to people who use their mobile phones while driving. Citing police figures, he said from January 1 to September 10 this year, 11,740 tickets were issued to motorists who were caught using mobile phones while driving. A fine of Dh200 and four black points are imposed on the motorist who uses mobile phone while
driving, he added.