Naifa Balkies Hameed, a 21‑year‑old final‑year architecture student at Canadian University Dubai, died on 5 November after a speeding vehicle ran over her on Al Khawaneej Street in Al Rashidiya.
The student had called her father for roadside assistance after her tyre went flat. When he called back five minutes later, she did not answer. Police said she was standing behind her car when the collision occurred.
Her family, originally from Kerala, has appealed for an end to reckless driving.
Expert advice on handling a breakdown
Road safety specialist Dr Mustafa Aldah, founder of Road Hero Academy, warned that motorists must prioritize getting out of the danger zone immediately. “Never stand between your vehicle and approaching traffic,” he told Gulf News. He added that drivers should not turn their backs on traffic and should use any available safety barrier.
Dr Thomas Edelmann of RoadSafetyUAE echoed the need to distance the vehicle from traffic, move passengers beyond the hard shoulder, wear high‑visibility vests, activate hazard lights and place a warning triangle at least 50 metres behind the car. He advised calling professionals for assistance.
“My eyes were constantly on the rear-view mirror as I tried to decide what to do first: get out, put on my reflective jacket, place the warning triangle or call the authorities. I immediately contacted the police, reported the incident and shared my exact location so they could send assistance and alert other motorists,” Dr Aldah recounted.
Guidelines for drivers approaching a stranded vehicle
Dr Suzanne Accetta, CEO of First Driving Centre Dubai, said drivers whose tyres burst must stay calm, decelerate gradually and avoid sudden braking or steering. Changing a tyre in active traffic is prohibited; occupants should exit on the side away from traffic whenever possible, or otherwise wait for emergency instructions.
Approaching motorists also bear responsibility. Dr Accetta urged them to stay alert, keep a safe distance, refrain from mobile phone use, and avoid abrupt lane changes. Dr Edelmann stressed lane discipline and strict adherence to speed limits near stopped vehicles.
The incident serves as a stark reminder that both stranded drivers and those passing by must follow established safety protocols to prevent similar tragedies.
Source: https://gulfnews.com/uae/why-dubai-students-roadside-death-is-eye-opener-for-uae-drivers-1.500744029
