Seatbelt violations drop in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi - 7,592 offences recorded against drivers who were caught violating the seatbelt law

Thousands of motorists have been fined for failing to buckle up during the past two months.
The Abu Dhabi Traffic Police said they have recorded 7,592 offences against drivers who were caught violating the seatbelt law since changes to the Federal Traffic Law came into effect on July 1.
The drivers were penalised for failing to buckle up, or not ensuring everyone in their car wore seatbelts.
According to the amendments made to the law, the fine for driver and passengers not wearing seatbelts or a child not in car seat is Dh400 per passenger. Additionally, four black points are registered on the driver's licence.
Lt-Col Salah Al Humairi, deputy director of Abu Dhabi Traffic Department, said they have seen a significant decrease in seatbelt violations since the new amendment to the traffic law came into effect two months ago.
"As many as 7,592 seatbelt violations were recorded over the past two months, compared to 11,991 offences registered against drivers who were caught not buckling up during the same period in 2016," said Al Humairi.
The police said the fines against offenders are intended to force drivers and passengers to use the seatbelts so as to protect their lives. 
Lt-Col Al Humairi said seatbelts are so vital in protecting drivers and passengers from serious injury and death during collisions.
"Studies have shown that the use of a seatbelt reduces death risk by 40 to 50 per cent in case of an accident for passengers in the front seats and 25 to 75 per cent for passengers in the rear seats," said Al Humairi.
The officer said a properly buckled up child in the back seat of a vehicle or a toddler in the child car seat can have chances of being killed or hurt in an accident reduced by 80 per cent.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com
 

• UAE
• Abu Dhabi