330 accidents in 7 hours

A massive 330 traffic accidents took place in Dubai in just seven wet hours on the roads, with the most serious accident resulting in the death of three people.

by

Amira Agarib

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Published: Tue 18 Dec 2012, 8:22 AM

Last updated: Tue 7 Apr 2015, 2:52 PM

Dubai Police said the huge number of accidents happened between 6am and 1pm on Monday, after people did not adjust their driving to suit the different weather conditions.

Factbox 330 traffic accidents in Dubai 7-hour period 3 people left dead 2 in critical condition 4.6 millimetres of rainfall

The National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology said 4.6 millimetres of rainfall was recorded on Monday at Dubai Airport.

The most serious accident took place around 2.30pm along Emirates Road, near the Al Warqa interchange in the direction of Sharjah, when a speeding car knocked down five pedestrians standing by a parked car.

Dubai Police General Department of Traffic director Major General Mohammed Saif Al Zafin said a speeding four-wheel-drive, driven by an Arab, hit a parked car on the roadside, where five Asians were standing at the time of impact. The fatal collision completely damaged the parked car and killed three of the five Asians on the spot, he said, while the remaining two were rushed to Rashid Hospital by the Air Wing of the Dubai Police where they remain in critical condition.

Other major accidents caused severe delays and heavy traffic in various spots, including along Sheikh Zayed Road opposite Jebel Ali, and along Al Khaleej Road near Al Saqr intersection.

Dubai Police operations command room director Brigadier Omer Abdulul Aziz Al Shamsi said six of the 330 accidents were serious.

The accidents happened as a result of reckless driving and people not adjusting their driving speed despite the rain, fog and wind which had caused low vision.

Al Shamsi said that in such conditions, all drivers should ensure their windshields and lights were clear and that their signals were working before they began driving. He added that they should leave enough distance between their own vehicles and those in front, and should reduce speed and only change lanes when absolutely necessary.

He urged all drivers to use windscreen wipers, remove condensation from inside their own cars, and remain cautious of other drivers when on the road in poor weather conditions.

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