UAE | Crime
801 traffic violators fined on first day of highway safety campaign
801 traffic violators were issued with fines on Sunday as Abu Dhabi police kicked off an extensive highway safety campaign. The campaign, following the massive accident at Ghantoot, covers Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Tarif.
- By Rayeesa Absal, Staff Reporter
- Published: 16:41 April 14, 2008
Abu Dhabi: 801 traffic violators were issued with fines on Sunday as Abu Dhabi police kicked off an extensive highway safety campaign. The campaign, following the massive accident at Ghantoot, covers Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Tarif.
While 510 offenders were fined in Abu Dhabi, 291 offenders were fined in Al Mafraq, Al Rahba and Al Khazna areas.
Officials said that the campaign, which aims to improve traffic safety awareness, will continue until satisfactory results are achieved.
Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed Dahi, head of the capital traffic and patrols department, said the campaign is being implemented simultaneously on all sectors of roads in Abu Dhabi. "The focus would be on hotspots were there are frequent traffic accidents. It would be based on statistical studies and analysis of the causes of the accidents."
Traffic patrols on highways have been intensified. Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway, Truck Road, Emirates Road, Abu Dhabi- Al Ain highway, Tarif, Hameem Road, Airport Road, Mussafah street and Sweihan are some of the key areas being monitored.
Patrol officials use electronic control systems, mobile radars as well as laser radars to nab vehicles that exceed allowed speed limits on the roads. A number of vehicles were inspected to ensure the condition of the tyres and also to ensure the load falls within the allowed limits.
Prior to the campaign, a comprehensive plan to cover all the areas in the emirate was developed and senior officers were charged with handling different sectors to make the campaign more effective.
Hundreds of drivers were given leaflets containing safe driving tips, aiming at reducing the number of accidents and the high death toll. In 2008, 74 people have died and 103 sustained serious injuries from January 1 to March 31.
In order to cater to different community members, leaflets have been printed in Arabic, English and Urdu.
Casualties
74 people have been killed in traffic accidents from January 1 to March 31 2008.
103 people sustained serious injuries during the same period.
Safe driving tips
While you are driving on highways or long trips, be attentive and very careful Check your vehicle for its overall fitness, tyres etc.
Do not travel if you are sick, tired or on medication
Equip your vehicle with safety appliances
Fasten your seat belt and ensure co-passengers do the same
Always adhere to traffic rules, signals and instructions
Be attentive, careful and expect others mistakes
Keep sufficient space between vehicles
Stick to speed limits Adhere to number of passenger limits of the vehicle
Avoid talking on phone, eating or reading while you drive
Avoid travelling during midnight and before sunrise
Give priority to emergency ambulance and care for parked vehicles While overtaking make sure that there is sufficient space between your vehicle and the vehicle you are overtaking
Use your head lights during night and foggy weather conditions, do not use hazard signals unless there is an emergency
The left lanes on the highways are not meant for speeding but only for overtaking
We are with you where ever you are: 999
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