Red-light jumping still a big menace

Abu Dhabi: As many as 8,691 red signal violations were recorded over nine months across the UAE, a senior traffic official told Gulf News.

At least 11 lives were lost and 417 people were left injured due to this traffic offence alone, during the period.

"Jumping red signals continue to be a severe problem. 8,691 motorists who drove past the red signal were fined, across all the seven emirates, during the period from January 1 to September 30," said Colonel Gaith Hassan Al Za'abi, Director of the Traffic Department at the Ministry of Interior.

"Eleven were killed and a total of 417 people were injured in accidents that were caused due to jumping the red signal during these months", he said.

Jumping the red signal is considered a serious traffic offence, for which the Federal Traffic Law stipulates a fine of Dh800, eight black points on the driver's licence and confiscation of the vehicle for up to 15 days.

The fine may be issued in presence or in absentia.

Among the 417 injured, 17 people suffered severe injuries, while 127 were moderately injured and 273 cases were of minor injuries.

Grim statistics

Traffic death toll in UAE: 1,056 in 2007; 1,071 in 2008

Red signal violations increased by 1.62 per cent in 2008, compared to 2007

Rate of deaths due to traffic accidents fell in 2008 to 13.3 per 100,000 of the population, compared to 15.8 in 2007

Total number of accidents: 10,611 in 2008; 8,872 accidents in 2007

11,155 people were injured in 2007; 12,273 people were injured in 2008

Total number of traffic violations reduced from 52,684 in 2007 to 42,087 in 2008

Source: Ministry of Interior