Delivery motorcycles will no longer be permitted on specific roads across Abu Dhabi beginning May 15, as authorities introduce new traffic measures aimed at improving road safety and regulating vehicle movement.
Abu Dhabi to restrict delivery bike access on selected roads starting May 15.
To improve traffic safety and lower accident risks, Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre (AD Mobility) announced on May 8, 2026, that delivery motorcycles will face new road restrictions beginning May 15. Authorities said the decision is part of broader efforts to strengthen road safety measures and ensure smoother traffic movement across key routes in the emirate. Under the new regulation, delivery bikes will not be permitted on roads where speed limits are 120 km/h or above. The restriction will also apply to a section of Sheikh Zayed Road stretching from Sheikh Zayed Bridge to the Sheikh Zayed Tunnel.
Recent figures released by the UAE Ministry of Interior have highlighted the scale and causes of traffic accidents recorded across the country during 2025, drawing attention to the ongoing challenges facing road safety authorities. According to the latest statistics, a total of 6,014 road accidents took place across the emirates over the course of the year, reflecting the continued impact of risky driving behaviour and traffic violations on public safety.
The data provides a detailed overview of the factors contributing most frequently to collisions and reveals that sudden swerving emerged as the leading cause of accidents nationwide. Officials reported that abrupt lane changes and unexpected vehicle movements were linked to 905 separate crashes during the year, accounting for nearly one out of every six traffic accidents recorded across the UAE.
Authorities say sudden swerving remains one of the most dangerous driving behaviours because it often occurs without sufficient warning to nearby motorists. Such manoeuvres can lead to chain-reaction collisions, sudden braking incidents and loss of vehicle control, especially on busy highways and high-speed roads. Traffic experts note that these situations become even more hazardous when drivers are travelling at excessive speeds or fail to maintain safe following distances.
According to road safety specialists, sudden swerving is commonly associated with several forms of driver negligence and poor decision-making. In many cases, motorists make abrupt lane changes after missing an exit or realising too late that they need to change direction. Other incidents are linked to impatient driving habits, aggressive overtaking or distractions that reduce a driver’s awareness of surrounding traffic conditions.
Officials also pointed out that distracted driving continues to play a significant role in unsafe manoeuvres. Drivers who are not fully focused on the road may react suddenly when they notice traffic signs, exits or slower-moving vehicles at the last moment. These delayed reactions can result in dangerous steering actions that place multiple road users at risk.
The Ministry of Interior said the latest figures underline the urgent need for stronger road safety awareness and more responsible driving behaviour across the country. Authorities have repeatedly stressed the importance of maintaining lane discipline, planning journeys carefully and paying constant attention while driving.
Traffic safety campaigns conducted across the UAE frequently encourage motorists to avoid impulsive decisions behind the wheel and to use indicators properly when changing lanes. Drivers are also advised to leave enough space between vehicles to allow adequate reaction time in case another motorist makes an unexpected movement.
Road safety experts emphasise that high-speed roads are particularly vulnerable to accidents caused by sudden swerving because vehicles have less time to respond to abrupt changes in traffic flow. On highways, even a small steering mistake can quickly escalate into a major collision involving multiple vehicles.
In addition to lane discipline issues, authorities continue to monitor several other behaviours that contribute significantly to road accidents in the UAE. These include speeding, distracted driving, failure to obey traffic signals, tailgating and careless overtaking. Officials say many of these violations are preventable if drivers remain patient, attentive and compliant with traffic regulations.
The Ministry of Interior has been working alongside local police departments and transport authorities to strengthen enforcement measures and improve driver education. Smart traffic monitoring systems, surveillance cameras and automated detection technologies are increasingly being used to identify dangerous driving practices and reduce accident risks.
Authorities also continue investing in road infrastructure improvements designed to support safer traffic movement. Enhanced road signage, improved lane markings, upgraded intersections and advanced traffic management systems have all been introduced in various parts of the country as part of wider road safety strategies.
Public awareness remains a major focus for officials, particularly as the UAE experiences continued urban growth and rising vehicle numbers. Campaigns targeting drivers of all age groups aim to encourage safer habits, increase understanding of traffic laws and reduce behaviours that commonly lead to accidents.
Experts say driver attitude plays a critical role in overall road safety outcomes. While infrastructure and enforcement are important, many accidents ultimately stem from human error, impatience or lack of concentration. Encouraging a culture of responsible driving is therefore considered essential for reducing accident rates in the long term.
The 2025 statistics serve as a reminder that despite significant progress in transport infrastructure and traffic management, road safety remains an ongoing challenge requiring cooperation from all road users. Authorities stress that every driver has a responsibility to help create safer roads by following traffic rules, avoiding reckless actions and remaining alert at all times.
Officials hope that continued awareness campaigns, stricter enforcement and improved driver behaviour will help reduce the number of accidents in the coming years. By addressing common causes such as sudden swerving and promoting safer driving habits, authorities aim to strengthen road safety standards and protect lives across the UAE.
