Abu Dhabi: Five people died and 42 others were injured in traffic accidents that took place during the 43rd National Day celebrations across the UAE, the Abu Dhabi Police announced today (Monday).

Brigadier General Gaith Hassan Al Za’abi, Director-General of Traffic Coordination Department at the Ministry of Interior, revealed that 28 accidents which occurred from December 2-6 included eight incidents in which the vehicle overturned, 13 collisions, five run-overs and two others.

Sudden swerving was the lead cause of the tragic events, Al Za’abi added, as it was responsible for eight of the accidents, two deaths and 10 injuries.

An individual death and the injury of five others in five different incidents were the result of speeding without considering road conditions. Meanwhile, failing to leave a safe distance betewen vehicles led to four accidents and eight injuries.

Eleven other incidents were caused by speeding, accessing a road without checking whether it’s clear and jumping a red light, the official revealed. These factors also killed two people in addition to moderate and severe injuries to 14 others.

Finally, not adhering to road lanes, failing to pay attention to the road and other users caused five individuals to be hurt in other incidents.

Al Za’abi said that the victims of the accidents paid the price of drivers’ ignoring traffic laws and rules regarding safety. Other motorists’ reckless behaviour led to their vehicles overturning, causing deaths and injuries.

The Ministry of Interior had published a set of regulations to be followed during National Day celebrations in order to ensure that no such incidents take place. In fact, patrol cars were seen at almost every major traffic intersection during the public holiday and a low level of tolerance for uncivilised behaviour was applied.

Last year, police posted a set of warnings that would ensure legal repercussions if not abided by including distorting licence plates, performing stunts and causing traffic delays, among others. If caught these individuals might face having their licences revoked if they have exceeded a cumulative of 24 black points on their driving records.

Even cars who pick up too many passengers and those who honk excessively, especially in residential areas, will be fined, authorities announced last year.

This year, however, reckless drivers would see 12 black points and a Dh2,000 fine and repeat offenders would have their licences suspended.

Despite these warnings, individuals were still seen harassing pedestrians and even those in other vehicles with ribbon spray that could be harmful if it entered a human eye.

Police continuously urge people to rejoice in a civilised manner.