Delivery riders in Dubai live life on the fast lane, literally. Racing against time to drop off orders, some riders pick risky shortcuts and make dangerous decisions. Now, Dubai Police have stepped in with a clear message: safety first, speed second for delivery riders. In a new campaign, they exposed five common riding mistakes that could turn your next delivery run into your last.
5 Deadly Mistakes Every Delivery Rider Should Avoid: Dubai Police!
Mistake 1: Lane Hopping Like It’s a Game
Sticking to your lane is not a suggestion, it’s a rule. Many riders weave between cars like they’re playing real-life Tetris. But this isn’t a video game, and one wrong move could land them in a hospital bed. Changing lanes without warning leaves no time for other drivers to react, and that’s how simple rides become scary crashes.
Mistake 2: Overtaking from the Shoulder – A Shortcut to Disaster
Skipping the traffic queue by riding along the road shoulder feels like a clever hack until it’s not. That narrow strip isn’t designed for vehicles to zip through, especially bikes. Drivers don’t expect anyone there, so they won’t spot riders sneaking past. In a blink, shoulder overtaking can end in a smash-up, and no delivery is worth that.
Mistake 3: Texting While Riding – Double Trouble
Multitasking may sound impressive, but doing it on a moving bike is madness. Some riders glance at their phones to check delivery apps or answer calls mid-ride. Every second eyes leave the road, and reaction time shrinks. In a city as fast-paced as Dubai, that distraction could mean the difference between arriving safely or not arriving at all.
Mistake 4: The Forbidden U-Turn
Wrong U-turns might feel like harmless shortcuts, but they’re silent crash invitations. Riders cut across lanes unexpectedly, leaving nearby vehicles no time to brake or steer clear. Quick U-turns might save a minute, but the cost could be a life. Following proper turns may seem slow, but it’s the only way to keep everyone safe.
Mistake 5: Surprise Detours – No Indicators, No Clue
Swerving on side roads or suddenly switching directions without a signal is like speaking in code that no one understands. Other drivers can’t read minds, and when riders turn abruptly everyone around them panics. Clear signalling gives everyone time to adjust, and that’s how you avoid turning roads into chaos zones.
Police Say: It’s Not Just About You
Dubai Police aren’t just nagging to spoil the fun. Every risky move delivery riders make doesn’t just endanger them, it puts other drivers, pedestrians and even fellow riders at risk. With delivery bike accidents and violations rising sharply, this warning isn’t optional; it’s urgent.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
In 2024 alone, 18 delivery riders lost their lives on Dubai’s roads. More than 77,000 traffic violations involved delivery bikes, that’s 17,000 more than the year before. Over 26,000 motorcycles were confiscated, double last year’s count. These numbers scream one thing: change is overdue.
Also Read: Traveller Loses Bag Containing AED25000 At DXB, Dubai Police Finds It; Here’s What Happened!
Deliveries Can Wait, Safety Can’t
Riders, the message is clear, no meal, parcel, or package matters more than your life. Follow the rules, stay in your lane, keep off your phone and plan your turns like a pro. Your customers want their food hot, not their rider in hot water. Stay safe and smart because safe deliveries mean you’ll be around to make many more.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Stock Images
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