Dubai - Dubai traffic department takes stock of rising number of accidents involving heavy vehicles
Published: Sun 19 Jul 2015, 6:21 PM
According to an official from the General Department of Traffic, 12 people died so far this year, due to accidents caused by heavy trucks as companies oblige drivers to work for long hours and use rickety vehicles.
Saif Muhair Al Mazroui, director of the General Department of Traffic, said: "The casualties resulting from trucks this year is a worrying indicator since trucks caused 36 accidents resulting in the death of 12 people and injuring 45, pointing out the number of injuries caused by truck accidents are higher than the number of accidents. "
He added that truck traffic accidents are not limited to deaths; breakdowns on highways cause severe traffic congestion.
Al Mazroui revealed that some transport companies force drivers to drive vehicles that are in bad condition. They are also made to work long hours thus exposing them to serious accidents and threatening their own safety and that of others.
Al Mazroui pointed out that an investigation into truck accidents proved that drivers were 100 per cent innocent in many cases. In certain cases employers and supervisors threaten them saying that they will lose their jobs if they refuse to drive unsuitable vehicles. The other problem was depriving them of enough sleep and rest, which eventually leads to lack of concentration and accidents. He pointed out that one of the drivers approached the Dubai traffic department to intervene as the owner of his company compelled him to drive a rickety truck.
Al Mazroui stated that the Dubai traffic department has been trying to address this problem by coordinating with several entities concerned to take strict measures including asking owners of heavy trucks to conduct periodic maintenance for the vehicles. He said certain measures were debated, including determining specific work hours for drivers, and ensuring whether trucks on the roads are owned by a company or on rental.
The department is also in talks with the Ministry of Labour and Dubai Department of Economic Development and Roads and Transport Authority.
Truck accidents are on the rise despite intensified measures like stopping trucks on highways and fines for violating rules and regulations.
He said that last year 79 truck accidents resulted in the death of 18 people, and 43 injuries. Transport companies buy and rent trucks to others without ensuring whether it is in good condition or not. Sadly, it is the driver who gets fined for mistakes.
amira@khaleejtimes.com
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