Motorists in UAE urged to follow rules during Eid Al Adha holidays

Abu Dhabi - Traffic patrols will be stepped up on various roads during the Eid holidays.

Motorists in the capital were urged to drive carefully and abide by speed limits during the long Eid Al Adha holidays to avoid accidents. 
The Abu Dhabi Police have also urged drivers to refrain from using mobiles, responding to greeting messages or surfing social networking sites while driving. Authorities also warned against taking photos while driving 
"People must abide by traffic rules, especially around malls and markets, and they must keep a safe distance between vehicles and avoid parking in undesignated locations," said an official from Abu Dhabi Traffic Police.
Traffic officers also urged young motorists not to mar the holiday mood by carrying out reckless driving, stunts, and organising races in residential areas, which may put their lives and others' at risk.
Motorists have been asked to use seatbelts, exercise caution, and to keep children below the age of 10 buckled up in the back seat of the car. 
Police said traffic patrols will be stepped up on various roads during the Eid holiday, in an effort to reduce road congestion and deal with emergencies.
According to the Ministry of Interior, 10 people were killed and 54 others injured in road accidents across the country during last year's Eid Al Adha holidays.
Traffic authorities said the accidents were caused by drivers flouting rules including sudden swerving, speeding, and lack of attention.
Monitor children, parents told
Meanwhile parents have been told to strictly monitor their children when they move out with them during Eid holidays.
"Children should never be left alone for fear of falling from high places or escalators, or getting lost in crowded places," said an Abu Dhabi police officer.
"Parents should watch over their children at parks and should not allow them to play serious mechanical games that are not age appropriate. They should not leave their small kids alone at home to avoid exposing them to dangers."
ismail@khaleejtimes.com