One message at 100 km/h
Everyone thinks a message takes "just a second". Guess how far your car goes while you read one. Then read a real one while the road keeps moving, and we'll time you.
Why one message is never "just a second"
At 100 km/h your car covers 27.8 m each second. A 2-second look is already more than 55 m that nobody is watching.
A message takes your eyes off the road, a hand off the wheel and your attention off driving. Typing a reply does all three for longer.
The World Health Organization says drivers using a phone are about 4 times more likely to crash. Hands-free is not much safer, and texting raises the risk a lot.
Using a phone, or anything else that pulls your attention from the road, while driving is a traffic offence with a fine of AED 800 and 4 black points.
What actually works
Turn on your phone's driving mode or do-not-disturb before you set off. It can send an automatic "I'm driving" reply.
Bag on the back seat or phone in the glovebox. If you can't grab it, you won't.
Have someone with you? Hand them the phone. Navigation should be set before you move.
If it really can't wait, stop somewhere safe and legal, like a petrol station or a car park. Never on the hard shoulder just to text.
Sources: World Health Organization, road traffic injuries fact sheet (drivers using a phone are about 4 times more likely to crash; hands-free phones are not much safer; texting considerably increases the risk). Abu Dhabi Police distracted-driving campaign, reported by Gulf News in July 2026 (AED 800 fine and 4 black points for distracted driving under the UAE federal traffic rules, Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024). 100 km/h is 27.8 m per second. The road and what appears on it are a simplified illustration, and reading speeds vary. Never test this on a real road. In an emergency call 999 (police) or 998 (ambulance).