Traffic accidents reduced in Abu Dhabi in first half of 2017

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Figures also revealed a three per cent decrease in run-over accidents, as well as 29 per cent decrease in fines and violations.
Figures also revealed a three per cent decrease in run-over accidents, as well as 29 per cent decrease in fines and violations.

Abu Dhabi - Asian drivers were responsible for 38 per cent of traffic incidents followed by UAE nationals and drivers from the GCC.

By Jasmine Al Kuttab

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Published: Tue 1 Aug 2017, 12:00 AM

Last updated: Tue 1 Aug 2017, 10:01 AM

Lives claimed by traffic accidents have reduced in Abu Dhabi by 19 per cent in the first half of 2017, compared to the same period last year, said the General Command of Abu Dhabi Police on Monday.
The Abu Dhabi Police have released figures, which reveal an eight per cent decline in serious traffic accidents and 19 per cent decrease in deaths in the first half of this year, compared to the first half of 2016.
Figures also revealed a three per cent decrease in run-over accidents, as well as 29 per cent decrease in fines and violations.
The Abu Dhabi Police also revealed that cars registered in Abu Dhabi have increased by 13 per cent, while residents obtaining a driver's licence increased by six per cent.

Brigadier-General Ahmed Abdullah Al Shehhi, deputy director of the directorate of traffic and patrols at the Abu Dhabi Police, said the foremost reasons leading to traffic accidents during the first half of 2017 were due to negligence and lack of attention, followed by the sudden swerving and not leaving enough distance between vehicles, as well as speeding, entering the main road without making sure it is clear, and running through the red light.
He added that the explosion of tyres have also lead to accidents on Abu Dhabi roads. "Many traffic accidents could have been avoided if drivers behaved correctly."
Brig-Gen Al Shehhi said drivers who have caused the majority of accidents are between the ages of 18 to 30 - a whopping number of 44 per cent of all traffic incidents in the Capital.
Asian drivers were responsible for 38 per cent of traffic incidents followed by UAE nationals and drivers from the GCC.
Brig-Gen Al Shehhi noted the violations of excessive speed resulted in 76 per cent of the total offences committed in Abu Dhabi during the first half of 2017.
The released figures by the Ministry of Interior on Sunday, indicated that although traffic incidents have decreased across the country by 12.5 per cent, lives claimed on roads are still reaching staggering figures, as 315 people have been killed in the first half of 2017, due to traffic incidents. Also, 3,015 people have been injured in the first half of this year across the country.
Brig-Gen Al Shehhi said improving the traffic safety is a priority, which is why the Abu Dhabi Police have created a wide-spread of campaigns and initiatives that helps educate the public about road rules. He urged the motorists to abide by the new traffic laws, which went in force across the UAE on July 1.
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com

At a glance

> 19% decline in lives claimed by traffic accidents
> 8% decline in serious traffic accidents
> 3% decrease in run-over accidents
> 29% decrease in fines and violations
> 13% increase in new car registrations
> 6% increase in new driver's licence
> 44% of all traffic incidents caused by drivers aged 18 to 30
> 38% of traffic incidents were caused by Asian drivers
> 76% of the total offences committed were excessive speed violations

Major reasons for traffic accidents

> Negligence and lack of attention
> Sudden swerving
> Not maintaining safe distance between vehicles
> Speeding
> Entering the main road without ensuring it is clear
> Crossing red light
> Explosion of tyres


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