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1,353 fined for not wearing seatbelts in RAK

Ras Al Khaimah - A fine of Dh400 and four black points will be slapped on the driver

The Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) Police fined up to 1,353 drivers for failing to wear their seat belts, over the first nine months of 2017.
The erring drivers were nabbed at different areas across the northern emirate, according to Major General Ali Abdullah bin Alwan Al Nuaimi, commander-in-chief of the RAK Police.
"Failing to fasten the seat belt has been blamed for serious injuries and deaths of motorists from different nationalities and ages across the emirate," he said.
The seat belt is a criticial, life-saving component that significantly slows down body motion in a vehicle collision and reduces the forces exerted on the driver and passengers, he added. The media and public relations department of the RAK Police has launched several campaigns to raise public awareness on the importance of fastening seat belt. "Such awareness programmes have helped enlighten people on the issue," Maj Gen Al Nuaimi said.
According to the amendments in the Federal Traffic Law last year, every person in a car must wear a seat belt. "Should anyone in the vehicle fail to buckle up, a fine of Dh400 and four black points would be slapped on the driver," the rule says.
Mohammed Salem, a safety engineer, said seat belts are designed to avoid or prevent maximum injuries and save lives. "Seat belts can protect from head and spinal cord injury as well," he noted.
Seat belts spread out the force of the collision impact, "locking shoulder and lap and hence, save millions of lives," he said. "Seat belts hold the strongest parts of body firmly and prevent injuries and save lives." Recently, an Arab boy was killed in a road accident here after the car being driven by his father flipped over several times, throwing the child out of the window. The boy sustained serious injuries and was declared dead shortly after being taken to the hospital.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtinmes.com