Prosecutors vow to press hard on reckless drivers in Dubai

Dubai: Traffic prosecutors will intensify their litigation procedures against hit-and-run suspects due to the "dangerousness and severity" of the crime, the head of the Dubai Traffic Public Prosecution said.

"Motorists who [are] involved in hit-and-run accidents are considered reckless and dangerous. They pose a very serious threat and menace to streets and its users," said Chief Prosecutor Salah Bu Farousha.

He said the liability gets aggravated when drivers try to run away from the accident scene.

Intensify litigation

"We will combat such reckless and hazardous drivers through every possible legal method. We will intensify the litigation procedures and won't waive a single effort to [ensure] that hit-and-run suspects receive the toughest punishments applicable," said Bu Farousha.

His warning came in light of a recent conviction of a 32-year-old Sudanese man.

The Dubai Traffic Court of First Instance sentenced the Sudanese clerk, M.Z., to one month in jail and was ordered to pay a Dh20,500 fine.

Presiding Judge Dr Abdullah Saif Al Shamsi also found the him guilty of running away from the accident scene, drink and reckless driving, and causing damage to another vehicle. His licence has been revoked for six months.

A traffic police report said the accused drove his car inattentively, lost control over his steering before he went off his lane and rammed into another car.

A circular was issued by the police which led to his arrest.

The chief prosecutor told Gulf News: "We have been prosecuting hit-and-run drivers as per article 57 of the Traffic Law. Drivers who get indicted in hit-and-run accidents face an imprisonment of not more than one month and/or a fine of Dh200 to Dh500. Repeating the crime within one year is a circumstantial factor that subjects the offender to a stiffer punishment."

He warned drivers against fleeing the scene of an accident because responsibility doubles against them.

"Running away from an accident backfires on those who cause the accident. Hit-and-run suspects will not escape from the hands of justice. I don't advise any driver to run away from the accident otherwise they will face more complications besides tougher punishments," added Bu Farousha.