Abu Dhabi: In all, 342 juveniles have been arrested by Abu Dhabi Police in the last six months for driving without licence and endangering lives of others.
Around 86 repeat offenders, many of whom were caught driving recklessly and 17 of whom also caused accidents, have been referred to family prosecution.
The Directorate of Traffic and Patrols in the central operations sector expressed alarm at the ease with which juveniles are able to get behind the wheels in violation of the law and officials have warned parents that they are liable for letting children driving family vehicles.
Brigadier Khalifa Mohammad Al Khaili, Director of the Traffic and Patrols Directorate, said, “Some parents [are] taking no control of their wards and allowing the underage children to drive vehicles, which is very dangerous. It can lead to traffic accidents resulting in deaths or serious injuries.”
The official added that police made 256 calls to parents of youngsters involved in such dangerous acts and urged them to keep an eye on what their children were up to.
Repeat offenders have become a particular source of concern. “Abu Dhabi Police have taken strict action against around 86 children who had even given written apologies before for similar acts. Parents need to monitor their children more during the summer holidays because the children are always at home. Parents need to make sure their children don’t participate in youth gathering, which involve stunts with vehicles that can put lives at risk,” Al Khaili said, asserting that there will be no leniency shown against such violators irrespective of their age.
“It is the duty of the parents to ensure the safety of their children. They will also have to take accountability if their vehicles are found with the juveniles resulting in putting lives at risk.”
