Mock accident drill shows the risks of stunt on roads

Passersby immediately rushed to the scene to inspect the accident and someone called 999. Within minutes, a police car responded followed by the fire truck, paramedics and the serious collision unit. Within 20 minutes after the collision, the fire was put out and the seriously injured driver and passenger were pulled out of the wreck — one into the waiting ambulance and the other airlifted to the nearest hospital.

The mock accident drill on Wednesday, which was part of the 27^th GCC Traffic Week activities of the Abu Dhabi Police, illustrated the possible consequence of speeding and reckless 
driving.

More importantly, it demonstrated how overcrowding could affect the work of the rescue team and delay them from reaching the victims on time.

“This kind of racing should not be done in public places. There is a specific place for that purpose at the Yas Marina Circuit and specialists who can train you to drive race cars, especially for the young people who have the liking for something powerful and fast. But don’t do this in public places as this could hurt you and others,” Brigadier Hussain Al Harthi, director of Traffic and Patrols Directorate, pointed out.

The demonstration also displayed the police’s capability in handling serious accidents and the efficient coordination of different rescue departments to save the victims.

Brig Al Harthi told Khaleej Times that it usually takes 15 minutes for the police to arrive on the scene after the 999 call in urban areas, while it is 30 minutes in rural areas.

However, traffic jams and over
crowding sometimes slow down the police patrol and the ambulance.

At the demonstration, students from various public schools in Abu Dhabi, were given a morning off their 
classes to watch firsthand the consequence of bad driving. As part of the GCC Traffic Week programme, which ends on March 19 in the capital, the Abu Dhabi Police were also holding lectures at various schools and universities, as well as, drivers from different companies on traffic safety.

olivia@khaleejtimes.com