Pinoys take note: Sharjah cops frown on ‘driving selfies’

Filipinos in the United Arab Emirates may have to think twice before taking selfies while driving in Sharjah, now that police there are cracking down on that practice.

Sharjah police launched Sunday a safe driving campaign that discourages distractions while driving,UAE news site Gulf News reported.

“The number one activity that should be occurring while you are behind the wheel is driving. Hundreds of thousands of people are injured each year as a result of distracted driving and these injuries and deaths are preventable. Put the camera down and wait until you arrive at a safe destination. Don’t let that driving selfie or video be the last photo you ever take,” said Maj. Abdul Rahman Khatr, director of communications at Sharjah Police Traffic Department.

“Selfie photos have gotten a lot of attention lately,” he added, noting the popularity of selfies prompted Sharjah police to remind the public of the dangers of taking a selfie while driving.

He cited figures showing most major accidents stemmed from using mobile phones while driving.

Offenders can get a Dh200 fine and four black points, Maj Khatr noted.

Khatr said the traffic department launched a traffic campaign dubbed “Focus on the Road While Driving,” to catch reckless drivers and traffic law violators in the emirate.

The Gulf News report said police figures indicated that over the past seven months, 8,154 motorists were fined for using mobile phones while driving, compared to 7,251 in 2013.

Yet, he said, repeated warnings from the police failed to dissuade many motorists from using mobile phones while behind the wheels.

Meanwhile, the Gulf News report said safety tips will be distributed to the public in Sharjah city and the Eastern Region via brochures and booklets, in Arabic and English.

Police also posted safety measures and procedures on social media such as Twitter, Facebook. YouTube and Instagram. —Joel Locsin/KBK, GMA News

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