Dubai: The number of people killed in traffic accidents in Dubai decreased from 65 deaths during the first quarter in 2016 to 48 deaths this year, Dubai Police said on Monday.
Major General Mohammad Saif Al Zafein, Dubai Police assistant commander-in-chief for operations, said a total of 198 people died in traffic accidents last year. The latest statistics showed a decline in the number during the first quarter of 2017.
“We witnessed a reduction in deaths on the roads so far this year and it’s a positive figure. We aim to continue our traffic campaigns to spread awareness and have more patrols on the roads and using latest technology to tackle motorists who break the traffic law,” Maj-Gen Al Zafein.
He told Gulf News that he is confident that the new traffic law will reduce the number of deaths and accidents even more.
“I’m sure that as soon as the new traffic law activated, we will see a reduction in number of death on the roads. The new regulations will help to crackdown reckless motorists and will make motorists think before committing a traffic offence,” he added.
Statistics show January witnessed 17 deaths and 10 deaths each were recorded in February and March, while 11 people died in April.
“The number of death in 2016 was high and reached 198 deaths compare to 2015 when 166 people killed in traffic accidents. This year, the figures are showing an improvement, but we want to reach a figure of three deaths for every 100,000 people in the UAE. This law will help us in reaching our target for safer and better roads,” Maj-Gen Al Zafein said.
New regulations
Meanwhile, the new regulations, covering a comprehensive range of traffic violations, will be implemented on July 1, according to Maj-Gen Al Zafein.
Officially signed by Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, the new regulations cover multiple violations, including the penalties, that include heavy fines, black points, and impounding of vehicles.
In the new traffic law, fines can go up to Dh3,000 and cars will be confiscated for 90 days with 23 traffic points if a motorist drives a car without plate number.
The fine for driving above the speed limits by more than 80 kmph will be Dh3,000, together with confiscation of the vehicle for 60 days and 23 traffic points.
The federal traffic law will now include 114 articles, instead of the original 147, as some violations have been combined.
