Abu Dhabi - Authorities say dramatic rise in road accidents and fatalities in Abu Dhabi while accident deaths drop in Dubai
Published: Thu 26 May 2016, 4:44 PM
Last updated: Fri 27 May 2016, 2:03 AM
As many as 1,837 motorists were caught driving over 200kilometres per hour on the roads of Abu Dhabi this year, according to the Traffic and Patrols Directorate of Abu Dhabi Police.
According to traffic department figures, since January, motorists aged between 22 and 30 caused 21 road deaths, those between 31 and 39 accounted for 12 deaths, where as motorists between 40 and 49 were responsible for only seven fatalities.
Capital steps up measures
Brigadier Khamis Ishaq Mohammed, Director of the Abu Dhabi Police Traffic and Patrols Directorate, said that radar surveillance on the Abu Dhabi roads have been intensified to target those who are violating speed limits.
He pointed out that there has been continuous efforts by authorities in Abu Dhabi City, Al Ain and the Western Region, to curb the dangerous habit of speeding.
Brig. Mohammed also highlighted that Abu Dhabi Traffic Police conducted an aerial surveillance on all roads as part of the general command of Abu Dhabi Police's strategy.
This methodology, he noted, has provided extra security, as well as a reduction of traffic accidents.
He added that the traffic is also thoroughly monitored by the Civil Investigation traffic patrols, as well as aircraft patrols, which immensely help locate traffic jams around the city.
He added that the ongoing traffic safety strategy targets youth by organising awareness programmes and initiatives in educational institutions, as well as on social networking sites.
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A report by the Ministry of Interior report said: "Nearly 19 per cent of road accidents in UAE last year were caused by lack of concentration, mainly due to using mobile phones."
Another report by the Ministry of Interior revealed that texting, taking selfies and surfing the Internet while driving has also been one of the lead causes of accidents on UAE roads.
Brigadier Hussain Al Harthi, Director-General of Central Operations in Abu Dhabi Police, said that the number of fatalities on Abu Dhabi roads has dramatically increased in the first three months of 2016, compared to the first three months of 2015, with over 489 road accidents recorded so far.
Last week, Abu Dhabi Police announced that motorists would no longer receive the 50 per cent discount in traffic fines, which was initially introduced in June 2010.
Brigadier Hussain said that authorities believe discounts on traffic fines has resulted in rise of road offences.
He noted that ending the discount would help improve traffic safety in the emirate.
Traffic deaths drop in Dubai
Dubai roads have, however, seen a drop in traffic-related deaths last year with 166 fatalities against 177 in 2014.
Sharjah Police recorded an average of eight to 10 deaths each month in 2015, which also include pedestrians killed on the road by jaywalking or not crossing at designated areas.
Earlier this week, Sharjah Police said they would install modern radars on the roads, which will help detect a variety of road violations, including motorists who may be wanted for security reasons.
Brigadier Saif Al Zari Al Shamsi, General Commander of Sharjah Police, pointed out that the new radars should be replacing all the current radars in Sharjah by 2018.
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Interior issued out a report, which revealed the main causes of road accidents in UAE.
Sudden swerving and change of lane came at the top, which was followed by misjudgment, not leaving enough distance between the vehicle in front, entering the road without checking if it is clear, as well as speeding.
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com
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