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Fatal crash in RAK raises concerns about young drivers

Ras Al Khaimah - Warning comes as 12-year-old died in crash caused by teenager friend

Published: Sun 1 Nov 2020, 4:38 PM

Updated: Sun 1 Nov 2020, 6:21 PM

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Four teenagers were killed as this vehicle flipped over after its unlicensed driver drove it at 150kmph in March last year.

Four teenagers were killed as this vehicle flipped over after its unlicensed driver drove it at 150kmph in March last year.

Authorities in the UAE have warned parents to ensure that their children don’t sneak out to take their vehicles out for a spin. The warning comes as a 12-year-old Emirati boy died after the car driven by his 13-year-old friend crashed.

The unlicensed minor and a 11-year-old were injured in the crash that happened in Al Gheil, Ras Al Khaimah.

Brigadier Mohammed Saaed Al Humaidi, Director-General of Central Operations, warned that many kids have lost their lives after they took their parents’ cars out for a drive.

In March 2019, four teenagers were killed as their 4WD crashed in Ras Al Khaimah. Three other Emirati teenagers were injured in the crash that happened because of speeding.

In November 2019, an Indian woman died after being run over by a 4WD being driven by her 17-year-old son in Sharjah. The teenager was taking driving lessons at the time.

In March, a 14-year-old Emirati girl died after driving her parents’ car without their knowledge in Sharjah.

Hundreds of unlicensed drivers held

Police forces across the country have nabbed hundreds of drivers, mostly students, for driving without a licence. Many of them were found speeding.

In 2018, the Abu Dhabi Police arrested 342 minors for driving without a licence. During this period, underage driving caused 17 traffic accidents.

Unlicensed drivers caused 580 accidents in Ras Al Khaimah in 2018 and 2019. Most of the drivers were teenagers, according to Brigadier Ahmad Al Sam Al Naqbi, director of the traffic and patrols department, RAK police.

What’s the penalty for unlicensed driving?

As per Article 51 of the federal traffic law, a three-year jail term and/or a fine not less than Dh5,000 shall be slapped against anyone involved in driving a car without being licensed.

The traffic and patrols department in RAK has run many campaigns to warn parents about the illegal practice.

reporters@khaleejtimes.com



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