53% drop in RAK accidents caused by sudden swerving

Ras Al Khaimah - Slowing down or abruptly joining on the motorway without adjusting one's speed to traffic flow can cause collisions and tailbacks.

A substantial drop of 52.8 per cent was reported in traffic accidents caused due to sudden swerving in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah in 2017. 
There were up to 82 road fatalities related to sudden swerving last year in RAK. In 2016, this figure stood at154, said Brigadier Dr Mohammed Saeed Al Humaidi, director-general of the central operations department, RAK Police. 
"The RAK Police have urged all drivers to adhere to traffic rules and regulations, and avoid sudden swerving, in particular."
The new traffic rules enacted by the UAE Ministry of Interior in July 2017 state that sudden swerving shall be penalised with a hefty fine of Dh1,000 and four black points. 
Earlier, the UAE Ministry of Interior launched a drive with a video aimed at raising public awareness about the dangerous practice of sudden lane change.
"Failing to leave enough safety space - mainly during peak hours - and traffic congestion are also the main reasons behind road accidents here." 
Dr Humaidi said that merging on to the motorway can be a high-risk manoeuvre. "It can also be a source of anxiety for many new and inexperienced drivers." 
Mohammed Al Ashqar, a driving trainer, said that student drivers need to be attentive, check their mirrors, use their indicators, and look at the cars behind before safely entering a road.
"It takes a lot of practice and experience to learn a variety of driving skills, especially when entering a motorway and changing lane."
Slowing down or abruptly joining on the motorway without adjusting one's speed to traffic flow can cause collisions and tailbacks, he added.
"Motorists must not let aggressive drivers intimidate them, and always remember to merge like a zip." 
Ibrahim Abdulqader, another driving trainer, said drivers should get into the exit lane early rather than with a last-minute swerving across three lanes of traffic.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Ras Al Khaimah