Drivers urged to follow road rules as safety campaigns get into gear

Abu Dhabi: Over 85 per cent of traffic accidents across the country are due to human error, officials have said, urging motorists to abide by road rules and regulations.

"Human error is the biggest hurdle that traffic officials need to tackle, as it causes more than 85 per cent of the accidents in UAE", said Brigadier Gaith Hassan Al Za'abi, Director of the Traffic Department of the Ministry of Interior, commenting on nationwide statistics collected by the department.

These errors are committed by motorists as well as pedestrians, he said.

Increasing awareness on road rules and promoting a culture of traffic safety is the solution, he added.

Traffic week

In line with the ministry's strategy to curb traffic deaths and injuries, a series of awareness campaigns are to be organised, starting with the 26th GCC Traffic week, officials announced yesterday.

GCC Traffic week will kick off on Sunday under the slogan ‘Beware of Other's Faults'.

"Expect others to make mistakes and be aware of them, and give full attention to the roads while you are behind the wheel."

In months to come, as part of various traffic safety campaigns, about 110 lectures will be held and SMS messages will be sent to 1.5 million mobile users in a bid to reinforce the safety message, Brigadier Al Za'abi said.

Sudden changes in direction, reckless driving, using mobile phones while driving, changing lanes without indicating and driving against the direction of the traffic were common errors committed by motorists, Colonel Engineer Hussain Al Harthy, Director of Abu Dhabi Police Traffic and Patrols Department, said.

Errors committed by pedestrians included crossing at non-designated areas and using the left door of the vehicle, he said.

In Abu Dhabi, the opening ceremony of the traffic week will be held at Marina Mall while family activities will be organised at Khalifa Park.

"We want to reach out to all sections of the society — all nationalities and age groups", he added.