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49 injured in accidents during celebrations

DUBAI/SHARJAH — As many as 49 people received moderate and minor injuries in accidents in Dubai and Sharjah on Monday when thousands of people were out on the roads to bid farewell to 2007 and welcome New Year.

Around 40 people received minor and moderate injuries in over 100 major and minor traffic accidents in Dubai during the New Year celebrations.

In Sharjah, nine people received minor injuries in 94 accidents which took place in crowded areas including Al Buhaira Corniche, Al Ittihad Road and Emirates Road.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Mohammed Saif Al Zafeen, Director of Dubai Traffic and Licensing Department, said yesterday that most of the road accidents on the New Year eve in Dubai were due to speeding, drunk drivers and failure of drivers to keep safe distance between vehicles.

He said 26 traffic patrols were deployed in crowded areas, where major festivities were organised, to regulate traffic and prevent reckless and drunk drivers from using the roads.

A top official of the Sharjah Traffic Department said they increased the number of Anjad patrols in Al Buhaira and Al Ittihad roads to catch reckless drivers. “People of Sharjah were welcome to celebrate in their own styles as long as they were not affecting the safety of them and others,” he said.

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