Abu Dhabi: Fatal truck accidents in the emirate of Abu Dhabi dropped by 58 per cent during the first eight months of this year as compared to the same period last year, with the number falling from 31 to 13, according to a press release issued by Abu Dhabi Police on Saturday.
The number of people who suffered severe injuries decreased by 63 per cent, from 16 to six, from January 1 to August 31, while the number of accidents dropped by 54 per cent from 118 to 54.
Colonel Salim Abdullah Al Daheri, director of the Traffic Department at the Traffic and Patrols Directorate, said the statistics were a testimony to the positive results achieved by Abu Dhabi Police in terms of traffic safety.
He pointed out the police’s efforts to improve traffic safety by reducing accidents involving trucks and other heavy vehicles. Several measures to enhance road safety are in place, such as intensifying road patrol, installing radars, raising awareness, stopping the traffic when visibility is low due to fog and weather fluctuations etc, he said.
The official called upon heavy vehicle drivers to comply with the traffic rules like not exceeding the speed limit, not overtaking, tyre inspection and no use of expired tyres, and leaving enough distance between vehicles.
He urged the owners and drivers to load the trucks properly to prevent the loaded items from falling on the road, which may cause dangerous accidents. Al Daheri also warned that overloading might cause tyre bursts.
