Dubai: Two motorists in Al Ain were sentenced to pay blood money, traffic fines, and serve one year in jail for running over a man who was filming a street race.
Earlier this month, Gulf News reported that a 19-year-old Arab national was killed when a reckless driver rammed into him while he was standing on the median strip.
The driver was street racing with another motorist and accidentally ran over the victim, who was recording the stunt.
The two motorists were arrested and according to the recent decision issued by Abu Dhabi’s Traffic Court, the GCC men were issued with a Dh20,000 fine and had to jointly pay Dh200,000 in blood money to the victim's family.
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The tragic incident left the community in shock as it highlighted the culture of street racing that continues on the UAE’s streets, despite authorities clamping down on reckless and irresponsible motorists.
Colonel Ahmad Al Zeyoudi, Director of the Al Ain Traffic Department, Traffic and Patrols Directorate at the Central Operations Sector, explained that anyone participating in any gathering that involves dangerous driving and drifting, as well as watching or sharing videos of dangerous driving and races on social media, will be held accountable.
He also highlighted Abu Dhabi Police's efforts to Abu Dhabi Police's efforts to control traffic through its patrols, investigations and smart systems, as well as to monitor reckless drivers who modify their engines to increase the speed of their vehicles.
Modifying a vehicle will incur a Dh1,000 fine, the impounding of the vehicle for one month and 12 traffic points. Drivers who cause noise pollution with the aim of showing off, will be issued a ticket, as well as a fine of Dh2,000 and 12 traffic points.
Al Zeyoudi called upon parents to observe the behaviour of their children and to prevent them from driving recklessly, and to help prevent traffic accidents that result in serious injuries and deaths.
