Dubai: Five people were killed in traffic accidents because of drivers changing lanes without warning this year, a Dubai Police official said. He said that Emiratis, Indian and Pakistani motorists top the list of drivers swerving dangerously when driving.
Dubai Police said that sudden swerving was one of the main reasons of death on the roads. It caused the death of five people in 169 traffic accidents this year, which was 23.2 per cent of the total number of deaths.
Police statistics showed that the same number of people had been killed last year, but in 137 traffic accidents.
Emiratis, Indian and Pakistani drivers were on top of the list of drivers who swerved without warning on the roads last year.
“Emiratis killed 11 people last year and Indian drivers killed 9 people while Pakistani drivers killed 7 people. They are on top of the list of drivers who swerve without using indicators and swerve in dangerous way,” said Brigadier Saif Muhair Al Mazroui, director of Dubai Traffic Police.
He said that some drivers don’t think sudden swerving is dangerous, but it can prove to be deadly. “It can be deadly especially on highways as it can cause death and serious injuries. People must be careful when they change lanes, and must use indicators.”
Last year, Dubai Police recorded 43,430 instances of drivers changing lanes suddenly and without warning. The fine for the offence is Dh200 and 4 black points.
Dubai Police have launched an awareness campaign among Dubai drivers to reduce the death rate due to sudden lane changing.
Officers will distribute fliers, hold fairs in shopping malls, visit sport clubs and universities and interact on social media as part of the campaign.
Brigadier Al Mazroui said that mini-bus drivers were the biggest culprits and police would reach out to them by organising lectures at their companies, “Buses carry many passengers and any accident, even if it is minor, can cause many casualties. We will organise visits to their companies to raise awareness,” Brigadier Al Mazroui said.
