Sharing the road with large trucks is a daily reality for drivers in the UAE, particularly on the major inter-emirate highways. While truck drivers are trained professionals, the sheer size and weight difference between a heavy goods vehicle and a passenger car mean that collisions involving them can be significantly more dangerous. In 2025, new regulations and advancements in vehicle technology are changing the safety landscape. This guide provides you, the car driver, with crucial knowledge and actionable strategies to minimize risks and enhance your safety when driving near trucks.
What to Do Immediately After a Truck Collision (2025 Update)
In the unfortunate event of being involved in a collision with a truck, your actions immediately following the incident are critical for safety, documentation, and legal processes.
3 Critical First Steps for Your Safety and Claim
Activate Emergency Flashers and Move to a Safe Zone (If Possible): Your immediate safety is paramount. Turn on your vehicle's emergency flashers (hazard lights) to alert other drivers. If your vehicle is mobile and it is safe to do so, move it to the side of the road or a designated safe zone, away from active traffic lanes. This prevents further collisions. If your vehicle is immobile or moving it is unsafe, stay put with your flashers on and wait for authorities.
Document the Scene Using Your Vehicle's Dashcam: The UAE has progressively mandated dashcams in vehicles, and in 2025, widespread use is expected. Your vehicle's built-in or personal dashcam can provide invaluable objective evidence. Document the scene meticulously: capture footage of the final resting positions of both vehicles, the damage to your car and the truck, road conditions, traffic signs, and the truck's license plate and company details. This digital crash documentation is vital for automated fault determination and insurance claims.
Contact Authorities Through the Upgraded Official Reporting App: It is mandatory to report all accidents, regardless of severity, to the police. Use the upgraded official traffic reporting app (such as features integrated into the Ministry of Interior (MOI) app or local police apps) for crash reporting. These apps allow you to quickly report the incident, share your precise location, and provide initial details, triggering the emergency response protocols. Prompt contact is essential for legal reporting and initiating your insurance claim.
How to Prevent Truck-Related Accidents: Understanding and Awareness
Preventing collisions starts with understanding the limitations of large trucks and employing smart driving practices around them.
Understand Truck Blind Spots in 2025 Vehicles and Beyond
Large trucks have significant blind spots where your smaller vehicle can disappear from the truck driver's view. These are often referred to as "No-Zones."
Identify the "No-Zones": Be aware that trucks have large blind spots directly in front of the cab, directly behind the trailer, and along both sides, particularly extending several lanes out to the left and right. Avoid lingering in these areas. If you can't see the truck driver in their side mirror, assume they cannot see you.
Leverage Modern Truck Safety Features (Mandated by UAE Law): UAE regulations are enhancing truck safety tech. Modern commercial vehicles are now required to feature:
360° Camera Systems: Provide the truck driver with a comprehensive view around the vehicle, reducing blind spots.
AI-Powered Collision Prediction Alerts: Warn the truck driver of potential impending collisions based on sensor data.
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Mandatory for commercial vehicles over 3.5 tons, this system can automatically apply the brakes if the truck detects an imminent rear-end collision with a vehicle ahead, even if the driver doesn't react in time.
Effectiveness Rates of Truck Safety Features:
Safety Feature Provided by Truck (2025 models)
Estimated Effectiveness Rate
What This Means for Car Drivers
AEB Systems
Associated with a 62% reduction in rear-end collisions involving equipped commercial vehicles.
While this technology is on the truck, it directly increases your safety if you are driving in front of
an equipped truck and it needs to brake suddenly. Maintain a safe following distance regardless,
but know this tech is a backup.
Blind Spot Monitors
Linked to 54% fewer lane-change accidents for trucks equipped with this technology.
These systems alert the truck driver if a vehicle is in their blind spot when they signal a lane
change. Help this technology work by avoiding staying in blind spots and passing trucks quickly
and safely.
While these technologies are improving truck safety, your proactive driving is still the best defense.
2025's Game-Changing Safety Technologies for Car Drivers
Modern passenger vehicles are increasingly equipped with advanced safety features that can help you avoid collisions with trucks.
Must-Know Advancements Integrated into Your Car
Leverage your car's technology for enhanced awareness and protection.
Connected Vehicle Alerts for Enhanced Awareness: As vehicles become more connected, they can communicate potential hazards in real-time.
You may receive real-time warnings about nearby trucks or incidents involving them through roadside sensors that detect vehicle presence and behaviour, 5G vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication where cars "talk" to each other (e.g., a braking truck ahead alerts your car), or alerts via smart highway infrastructure displayed on digital signs or your car's infotainment screen. These early warnings provide precious seconds to react to potential dangers involving trucks.
Enhanced ADAS Features Acting as Your Co-Pilot: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems in your car are becoming more sophisticated at anticipating and mitigating risks involving larger vehicles.
Predictive Braking Assist: This system uses forward-facing sensors to detect the likelihood of a frontal collision, including with a truck ahead. It doesn't just warn you; it can prime your brakes for maximum stopping power if it anticipates an emergency braking situation, reducing stopping distance.
Augmented Reality HUDs Showing Truck Trajectories: In vehicles equipped with Augmented Reality Head-Up Displays, information might be overlaid onto your view of the road, showing the predicted trajectory of a nearby truck or highlighting potential conflict points, helping you judge distances and speeds more accurately in complex traffic situations.
Automatic Speed Adjustment Near Heavy Vehicles: Some advanced adaptive cruise control systems can now feature automatic speed adjustment near heavy vehicles. When following a truck, the system might automatically increase the following distance or slightly reduce speed to maintain a safer buffer, even if the driver hasn't manually set a larger gap.
Insurance & Legal Essentials for UAE Drivers After a Truck Incident
Understanding the legal and insurance aspects of a truck collision in the UAE is vital for a smooth claims process.
Simplified Claim Process for 2025 Leveraging Technology
The process of determining fault is becoming more objective and automated.
Automated Fault Determination: Insurance companies and police in the UAE are increasingly relying on technology for accident reconstruction and fault determination, which helps in cases involving large trucks where perspectives can differ. This includes using data from:
✅Black box data: Data recorders in modern vehicles (cars and trucks) capture information about speed, braking, acceleration, and steering in the moments leading up to a crash.
✅Smart traffic light records: Data from intelligent traffic light systems can confirm who entered an intersection on which signal.
✅Witness drone footage (where available): Traffic police utilize drones at major intersections or accident sites to capture aerial footage, providing an objective overview of the scene and vehicle movements.
This automated process aims to reduce disputes and streamline insurance payouts, providing clearer outcomes for the drivers involved.
New Insurance Requirements Impacting Truck Accident Claims
Be aware of evolving insurance standards.
Minimum Third-Party Coverage: Understand that the legal minimum third-party liability insurance for a truck is mandated to cover a significant amount, such as a minimum AED 500,000 (SAR 515,000) for damages to other parties. While this is the truck's coverage, it's relevant as it sets a baseline for potential compensation if a truck driver is found at fault for damage to your vehicle or injuries you sustain, although major incidents can exceed this. Ensure your own comprehensive insurance is adequate.
Mandatory Cyber Protection for Connected Cars: As more vehicles become 'connected,' cybersecurity is becoming a concern. New insurance requirements may include mandatory cyber protection for connected cars. This protects your vehicle's systems from potential hacking that could compromise safety features or data, a necessary step in the era of smart vehicles.
Common Misconceptions About Truck Collisions in the UAE
Dangerous myths persist about interacting with large trucks on the road. Debunking these is crucial for safe driving.
Debunking Dangerous Myths That Put You at Risk
Don't believe these common, but incorrect, ideas.
❌Myth:"Trucks always have right of way because they are bigger."
✅Truth: This is completely false and dangerous. UAE traffic law is clear: all drivers, regardless of vehicle size, are equally responsible for adhering to traffic laws and maintaining a safe distance. Driving a large vehicle does not grant inherent right of way or absolve a driver of responsibility for safe operation. Your obligation is to drive defensively, but the truck driver also has a legal duty of care.❌Myth:"In a collision between a small car and a truck, the small car is automatically considered at fault."
✅Truth: This is another dangerous misconception. Fault in a collision is determined based on the evidence and adherence to traffic laws, not the size of the vehicles involved. Federal data from 2023 showed that 41% of truck collisions investigated were found to have resulted from the truck driver's error. Causes included fatigue, speeding, improper lane changes without checking blind spots, or inadequate vehicle maintenance. Fault is determined objectively.❌Myth:"Flashing your headlights at a truck means they will move over or know you are there."
✅Truth: While flashing lights might sometimes gain attention, it's not a reliable communication method and can be misinterpreted. The best way to ensure a truck driver sees you is to stay out of their blind spots entirely, make sure you can see their mirrors, and use your horn briefly if absolutely necessary to alert them of your presence during a risky manoeuvre (like if they are drifting into your lane). Never assume flashing lights guarantees they are aware of you.
Local Insight: Strategic traffic management is proving effective. Dubai's introduction of dedicated truck-only lanes on the E311 highway (Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road), a major artery for heavy vehicle traffic, has yielded positive results. Since their implementation in 2024, these lanes have contributed to a 28% reduction in car-truck collisions on that specific route, demonstrating the impact of infrastructure designed to separate traffic types. Other Emirates also employ time restrictions for trucks on certain busy roads.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Have more questions about driving safely near trucks in the UAE? Here are answers to common inquiries from drivers.
"What is the legal following distance I should maintain behind a large truck in the UAE?"
UAE traffic law mandates that drivers must leave sufficient distance behind the vehicle in front to avoid a collision if it stops suddenly. For large trucks, which require a much longer stopping distance than cars, it is generally recommended to maintain a minimum three-second following distance in good conditions. Increase this distance significantly in poor weather, heavy traffic, or if following a truck on a downhill slope. This provides you with adequate time and space to react.
"Are there specific times when trucks are not allowed on certain roads in the UAE?"
Yes, many Emirates, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, implement time restrictions for trucks on specific major roads during peak hours to ease congestion and improve traffic flow. These restrictions typically apply during morning and evening rush hours on key highways and urban routes. Designated truck routes and truck-only lanes (like on E311 in Dubai) are also used. Always check the latest RTA or relevant traffic authority schedules for specific roads and times, as these can vary.
"How does the Salik or Darb toll system apply to large trucks in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?"
Large trucks operating in Dubai require a specific Salik tag registered to the truck, and they are charged the Salik toll when passing under a gate, often at a higher rate than passenger cars. Similarly, in Abu Dhabi, trucks operating within the Darb toll gate system also require a registered tag and are charged based on their passage during peak hours. Tolls are part of the operating costs for trucks and apply just as they do to cars, requiring payment upon passing a gate.
"What should I do if I witness a truck driving dangerously on a UAE road?"
If you witness a truck driving dangerously (e.g., excessive speeding, reckless lane changes, erratic driving, signs of driver fatigue), prioritize your own safety by creating distance. Do not attempt to confront the driver. Safely, when it is possible and legal to do so (e.g., when pulled over safely off the highway), report the incident to the relevant traffic police or authorities. Note down the truck's license plate number, company name (usually visible on the truck), location, time, and a brief description of the dangerous behaviour. Use the official police app or non-emergency police phone number for reporting.
"Does my comprehensive car insurance cover me if I am involved in a collision with a truck?"
Yes, if you have comprehensive car insurance in the UAE, your policy should cover the damage to your own vehicle if you are involved in a collision with a truck, regardless of who is found at fault. If the truck driver is found at fault, your insurance company will typically recover the costs from the truck's third-party liability insurance. Your comprehensive policy ensures your vehicle is repaired or replaced subject to the policy terms and conditions, even in a complex accident involving a commercial vehicle. Always review your policy details to understand your coverage.
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Mustafa Karim, having been deeply involved in automotive research and development for over ten years. He is fond of Japanese cars, and their precise and energy-efficient features have influenced him. In his spare time, he loves Japanese anime and kendo, drawing inspiration from them for control system research and development. He also often shares cutting-edge automotive knowledge on platforms, contributing to industry innovation and adding strength to automotive development with his expertise.
