Accidents on decline, yet unruly drivers rule roads

 Motorists are constantly urged by the police to drive with caution and warned about the dangers of speeding, sudden swerving, jumping red lights and not wearing seatbelts. However, many residents are still feeling frustrated with the amount of irresponsible motorists taking over the roads.According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), approximately 3,000 people are killed on the roads daily around the world and the Middle East and North African region stands above the average in road accidents. It was also highlighted that residents in the UAE are seven times more likely to die in car accidents, compared to those living in the UK, noting that it is the second major cause of deaths. The WHO also pointed out that road accidents are the primary cause of children's deaths in the UAE. The Health Authority of Abu Dhabi (HAAD) also reported that in 2009, 63 per cent of deaths were caused by traffic accidents.
However, the Ministry of Interior (MoI) revealed that the number of traffic accidents registered a decrease of 2.2 per cent from 2014 to 2015. Moreover, deaths related to accidents decreased by 5.2 per cent, while injuries decreased by 3.4 per cent. The ministry also reported that in 2015, the total number of road accidents totalled to 4,788, which caused 675 deaths and 6,263 injuries.
From these accidents, 919 were due to sudden swerving and abrupt lane changing, 623 related to the lack of distance between vehicles, 556 were due to misjudgement, 499 due to lack of attention, 388 caused by entering the road without checking if it's clear and 281 were caused by speeding. 1,173 of the accidents were noted as miscellaneous, which includes pedestrians and caused the death of 100 people.
Brigadier Ghaith Hassan Al Zaabi, Director-General of Traffic Coordination at the Ministry of Interior, said: "Sudden swerving was the main reason behind road accidents, and accounted for 1,384 injuries."
"It is very important to seek concerted efforts of the various departments, institutions and segments of society to cooperate with the Traffic and Patrols Departments across the country. This would contribute to decrease the number of accidents and subsequently reduce human and material losses," he added.
However, many residents are feeling fed up with drivers who "show little respect on our roads," as one Abu Dhabi resident pointed out.
Zainab Adami said she witnesses irresponsible motorists on a daily basis, particularly during rush hours. However, she pointed out that what irritates her most are drivers who suddenly switch lanes without warning, noting, "they show a lack of care and should therefore not be tolerated."
Dr Ahmad Al Khatib from Universal Hospital said that parents must understand that the safety belt could truly save their child's life.
"Over 95 per cent of patients from motor-vehicle accidents wearing seatbelts suffer less injuries than those without it. Passengers who don't wear seatbelts often arrive with head traumas, facial injuries, severe wounds and concussion," he noted.
Mohammed Nadeem, another resident, said that it is the young drivers who often neglect road rules.
"It's usually the young drivers who speed, race, jump red lights and cause accidents. They don't realise that dangerous driving can equal a death sentence.
In 2015, motorists in the age group of 18 to 30 caused 47 per cent of accidents, while 35 per cent of accidents were caused by drivers between the ages of 31 and 45.
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi