More than half of the Philippines' provinces are in drought as El Nino exacerbates hot and dry conditions typical for March, April and May
asia2 hours ago
Residents should stop crowding around accident sites as that might delay the emergency personnel from reaching there in time to save lives, authorities warned on Saturday (July 6).
The Ministry of Interior (MoI) also warned against taking and posting photographs or video clippings of road accidents on social networking sites, emphasising the need to consider human dignity and the feelings of relatives of the accident victims.
The ministry had earlier said the circulation of accident images "is deemed an irresponsible behaviour among the citizens. It is also a violation of the law".
"The circulation of these images is unacceptable as it can cause a psychological shock to the families of victims when they view such images," said the ministry in a statement.
"Taking pictures of accident scenes and sharing them online is against the UAE's values derived from the Islamic concept of tolerance."
Taking and posting photos or videos of accident sites on social media can lead to imprisonment and a fine of up to Dh150,000 under the UAE's cybercrime law. Those found obstructing or blocking roads near accident sites can be punished with a fine of Dh1,000.
Traffic authorities have urged motorists not to park their vehicles near accident sites to watch.
Last year, the Abu Dhabi Police launched a campaign with telecom provider du to raise awareness about the issue of crowding at accident sites and taking pictures and videos.
The campaign, "Post Wisely", was intended to educate the public about serious consequences of this "uncivilised behaviour", which may endanger their lives and the lives of others.
The police said crowding around crash sites prevents emergency personnel from doing their job.
Brigadier Khalifa Mohammed Al Khaili, director of Traffic and Patrols of the Abu Dhabi Police said: "Crowding and taking photos at accident sites could delay the work of traffic patrols, ambulances and civil defence vehicles, which will result in worsening the condition of the injured or may even cause fatalities.
"People should consider the serious consequences of such "uncivilised behaviour" which may endanger their lives and the lives of others," he said.
Staring at accident sites is a bad habit - Road safety expert
Thomas Edelman, managing director of Road Safety UAE, said that people crowding at accident sites to stare is a world-wide phenomenon.
"Staring at accident sites or rubbernecking as we term it, is a common behaviour not only in the UAE but also in other countries," said Edelman.
"Drivers will slow down and even bring traffic to a standstill as they try to satisfy their curiosity and get a better look at the aftermath of a collision. Unfortunately, rubbernecking can lead to additional accidents as drivers suffering from such distractions often end up crashing themselves."
He added: "Rubbernecking is impolite and a very bad behaviour, which people should stop because it affects the injured and other road users."
The road safety expert said traffic jams near accident sites are always caused by people stopping to have a look at the accident sites and this delays emergency teams from reaching the accident sites in time to save the injured people.
"It also affects road users as they have to spend a lot of time in the long traffic jams," he added.
Elderman noted that it becomes worse when rubberneckers take and post images from accident sites.
"Taking photos of the injured and sharing them on social media violates the privacy of others. No one wants their pictures taken and shared to everyone," said Edelman.
He added that such a behaviour deepens the pain and grief of the victims' families.
More than half of the Philippines' provinces are in drought as El Nino exacerbates hot and dry conditions typical for March, April and May
asia2 hours ago
Court opened investigation into Sanchez's wife in response to a complaint by anti-corruption pressure group, whose leader is linked to the far right
europe2 hours ago
Chang'e-6 to return with soil samples from moon's far side; the mission expected to last 53 days
asia3 hours ago
The breed, prized for profitability and an ability to adapt to climate change, garners celebrity status in the Central Asian country
asia3 hours ago
Thousands of schools have suspended classes due to the heat, affecting more than 3.6 million students, education ministry data shows
asia3 hours ago
Despite the growing market share of domestic automakers, Teslas remain among the best-selling EVs in the Asian country
auto3 hours ago
The entire plan will see cow-breeding and poultry projects come up near the massive wheat farm and the dairy farm will form the third phase
uae3 hours ago
Modi, 73, remains resoundingly popular after a decade in office, and he is widely expected to win a third term
asia3 hours ago