Abu Dhabi: Motorcycles will now be penalised for wrong overtaking with a fine of Dh200, three black points and a week-long impounding of the vehicle starting on Sunday, the Abu Dhabi Traffic and Patrols Directorate announced.
Brigadier Hassan Ahmad Al Harthi, director of the Abu Dhabi Traffic and Patrols Directorate, said that there have been a total of 32 motorcycle accidents this year which have led to three individuals suffering severe injuries while 26 others were moderately hurt. Meanwhile, tickets for 936 traffic violations were issued to motorcyclists during the same period.
The new law on penalties for motorcycle riders who wrongly overtake vehicles, even at stop lights and intersections, will be applied across the emirate of Abu Dhabi including Al Ain and the Western Region. Al Harthi added that camera as well as patrol cars will be on the look out for such violators across the emirate.
Al Harthi also urged all motorists to abide by safety and traffic rules adding that the only exception to the new rule will be Sa’aed motorcyclists who conduct traffic accident mapping in incidents where there are no human injuries.
Within the framework of the capital police’s campaign titled ‘A Summer without Accidents’, the police official urged all bike riders to wear their safety gear as motorcycle incidents cause 35 times more injuries than other vehicle accidents.
Safety procedures include wearing helmets and fireproof clothing, which will provide safety for drivers in case of an emergency.
Finally, the official stated that families should inform their children of the dangers of using motorcycles in residential and sandy areas as such areas are more likely to cause injuries. Al Harthi advised riders to ride in areas where bikes are permitted as patrol cars will be concentrated in both inner and external roads to catch violators.
Gulf News had previously reported that a total of six deaths and over a dozen injuries occurred due to motorcycle accidents during the first 11 months of 2012.
A police statement issued last year revealed that 46 per cent of those who caused the 74 accidents that took place last year belong to the 18-30 age group while 32 per cent were aged between 31-45 years.
Police have also recommended that parents keep their children occupied with hobbies and useful activities to keep them away from dangers on the roads.
