The latest statistics from the Traffic Department of the Ministry of Interior show that fatalities across the UAE have fallen by 10 per cent in 2009 compared with the previous year.
While this decline is good news, it is still not reason to celebrate: 963 individuals lost their lives on this country's roads. That is 963 too many. In 2008, 1,072 lives were taken on our roads, and 1,056 in 2007.
The decline is obviously welcome any loss of life is a tragedy felt by families and loved ones.
Authorities say the decline in road deaths is due to better enforcement, the black points system for law-breaking motorists and hefty fines for those who transgress.
The reality, however, is that despite this decline, the UAE currently holds the reputation for one of the highest per-capita road fatality rates in the world.
We cannot rest on our laurels. More enforcement is needed.
