Abu Dhabi issues 100,000 fines for breaking road rules in 2016

Abu Dhabi - Exceeding maximum speed, using mobile phones, overtaking on the hard shoulder of the road are among the top violations in Abu Dhabi.

More than 100,000 dangerous traffic offences have been recorded in the first quarter of the year in Abu Dhabi, the police have said. 
Brigadier Khalifa Mohammed Al Khaiaili, Acting Deputy Director of the Traffic and Patrols Directorate, said: "Exceeding maximum speed limits by more than 60kmph was one of the most dangerous offences registered during Q1 of 2016, which account for 14 per cent of the total dangerous offences; using mobile phones (up to 10 per cent); failure to fasten seat belts (up to 18per cent); the use of faulty worn-out tires (up to 8 per cent)." 
Brigadier Al Khaiaili also noted that these statistics include 78 violations for racing on the streets, 3,616 violations for overtaking on the hard shoulder of the road, and 1,495 violations for sudden swerving. 
Moreover, Brigadier Al Khaiaili emphasised the directorate's commitment to reducing offences that result in serious traffic accidents; as part of the directorate's traffic safety plan. "This could be achieved by increasing awareness programmes targeting drivers, intensifying traffic patrols and the civil patrols affiliated to the Traffic Investigation Section, and activating air traffic control to monitor roads in coordination with the Air Wing Department," he added. 
Brigadier Al Khaiaili said: "In line with the social communication strategy, the directorate has dedicated special attention to young people through the ongoing awareness programmes at educational institutions and social media platforms. The awareness messages will highlight the risks of driving at high speeds, running red lights, neglect and lack of attention, failure to maintain a safe distance between vehicles, and sudden swerving."
The directorate has also launched an initiative to encourage social responsibility by involving the public sector, government departments, and educational institutions.
Brigadier Al Khaiaili said: "The institutional work for traffic awareness initiative spans the entire year. It aims to instill social responsibility and spread the traffic culture; in order to reach the coveted impact and delivering our message in all languages, encourage safe driving, and ensure traffic safety for all segments of society. This would contribute to establish the pillars of social traffic awareness, and prevent the human losses caused by traffic accidents." 
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi