Nearly 40,000 fined for using phones while driving in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhbai - 10 per cent of the road crashes in Abu Dhabi result from mobile violations.

Thousands of motorists were fined in Abu Dhabi last year after authorities caught them using mobile phones when behind the wheels.
The traffic and patrols directorate at Abu Dhabi Police said a total of 39,334 offences were recorded against drivers using a mobile phone while driving during 2016.
The traffic authorities also said 10 per cent of the road crashes in Abu Dhabi result from mobile violations.
The latest figures were released during the Gulf Traffic Week that ended on Saturday as authorities intensified awareness campaigns to reduce accidents and promote safety on roads.
The errant motorists were caught by police cameras and traffic patrol policemen on various roads of Abu Dhabi.
Traffic authorities said drivers should refrain from talking or texting while driving as the practice could be distracting which leads to crashes.
Major Sohail Faraj Al Qubaisi, head of Traffic Violations Department, said: "The use of mobile phones while driving has become an addiction for many motorists, especially the youth. Yet it's a very big danger to road safety."
"Many road accidents are being caused by lack of concentration and negligence mainly because of drivers speaking on mobile phones, browsing social network sites or taking videos while driving."
Authorities said using mobile phones while driving is a serious offence and a big hazard on the roads.
Al Qubaisi added: "Using a mobile phone while driving causes a loss of concentration on the road which leads to serious accidents."
According to traffic authorities, motorists who use their phones while driving get distracted and this could lead them to sudden change of lanes, drive below the minimum speed limit especially on highways and to possibly jump red lights because of lack of concentration.
"Motorists should refrain from using mobile phones while driving to guarantee their safety and safety of other road users," said the officer.
Police said they have intensified campaigns to increase people's awareness on the dangers of using mobile phones while driving through lectures to university students, messages on social media networks and other communication means.
A driver caught using a mobile phone while driving faces a fine of Dh200 in addition to four black points on his licence.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com
Men top in seat belt violation
The latest figures from Abu Dhabi Police showed that 87 per cent of seat belt violations in Abu Dhabi were committed by male motorists.
The Abu Dhabi Police warned motorists about the dangers of not using seat belts during Gulf Traffic Week on Thursday.
Brig Khalifa Al Khaili, director of the Abu Dhabi Police Traffic and Patrols Directorate, said motorists should fasten their seat belts before they start driving.
Last year, 12 per cent of the motorists who died in road accidents and 10 per cent of those severely injured were not buckled up, according to traffic authorities.

• Abu Dhabi