Drive to check speeding

The Dubai Police will launch a traffic awareness campaign on Saturday to crack down on speeding motorists. Also, a committee has been set up to monitor youngsters who drive recklessly in residential areas and curb the problem in Ras Al Khaimah.

The campaign is part of the police strategy to reduce the number of road fatalities, said Colonel Mohammed Saif Al Zafeen, Deputy Director of the General Traffic Department.

According to Col Al Zafeen, 74 people have died on the roads during the first 11 months of this year. "The death toll is low compared to last year's 81 fatalities during the same period," he said. However, Col Al Zafeen pointed out that the number of those wounded in traffic accidents during the first 11 months of this year has gone up by nine per cent compared to last year. He also said that traffic violations recorded this year will exceed those of last year.

As part of the five-day campaign in Dubai, leaflets and educational material will be distributed to the public and lectures will be organised, he said.

Col Al Zafeen said speeding was considered one of the most dangerous traffic violations, which leads to more casualties and serious injuries to the road users. "The greater the speed, the higher the impact thereby increasing the casualties and serious injuries," he said.

"The risk of road accidents with casualties is higher when the speed limit of your vehicle is above the permitted speed limit. Motorists should realise that speed limits are placed on the roads for their safety," he said.

Speeding is connected to other traffic violations like not leaving a safe distance between cars, not following the lane rule and jumping redlights. It also leads to motorists losing control over their vehicles.

Meanwhile in Ras Al Khaimah, Colonel Khalfan bin Naye, head of the Operations Room, said a committee to monitor youngsters who drive recklessly, was set up under the directives of Brigadier General Sheikh Talib bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chief of Ras Al Khaimah Police.

He said youngsters drive recklessly to show off and endanger their lives and those of others.

Residents have complained about the problem and are especially worried for their children. Col bin Naye added that it is an old problem which worsens during holidays and weekends. It could not be checked despite sincere efforts.

Pointing out that parents make a mistake in allowing youngsters to drive, he urged them to monitor their children.