More than 500 road accidents occurred in Dubai yesterday as motorists continued to ignore traffic regulations despite the heavy rain. One person died and three people suffered serious injuries in one accident.
Speaking to Gulf News, Lt Col Abdullah Al Ghaithi, deputy director of Dubai Police Traffic Department, said the main causes of the accidents were fast driving and lane indiscipline.
"It is not the first time it has rained in Dubai, but the problem is that motorists do not want to reduce their speed," he said. Another reason for the high number of accidents was poor quality tyres, he said.
"Some vehicles have very poor quality tyres. Motorists should change their tyres regularly and should also check their brakes and replace them when necessary," he said.
Lt Col Omar Abdullah Al Shamsi, director of the driving and control department at Dubai Police, said most accidents had happened because motorists did not keep the proper distance between vehicles.
"In rainy weather when vision is not very clear, motorists should be extra careful and drive properly," he said.
Last Sunday, M.T., a 50-year-old motorist, who was driving on the wrong side of the road hit another car that was carrying four people. "The accident resulted in the death of T.L. a 30-year-old passenger in the other vehicle." he said.
Lt Col Al Shamsi called on all motorists to be careful and reduce their speed.
"We sent SMS to all motorists who applied for the service asking them to be cautious while driving. We also broadcast the same message on the radio," he said.
