Sharjah: Newly released statistics compiled from Sharjah Police records in 2015 reveal that thousands of motorists had little or no regard for public safety as they drove recklessly through heavy traffic, putting lives of other motorists in jeopardy.

The police confirmed on Monday that they recorded 5,852 instances of reckless driving, of which 105 caused major accidents due to “sudden deviation” which resulted either in death or permanent disability of those involved.

Fines for sudden deviation range between Dh200 to Dh600 with 3-6 black points for the driver, depending on the type of offence.

Major Abdul Rahman Khatr, Director of Traffic Awareness and Media Section of Sharjah Police, said that despite police warnings about the dangers of sudden deviation, drivers repeated the violations and paid for it with their lives. Sudden deviation means moving abruptly from one lane to another without making sure that the new lane is free of vehicles.

Major Khatr said the police has doubled its efforts to reduce accidents by launching a safety campaign and all motorists were familiarised with the safe driving tips. The ‘Give Road its Right’ campaign on sudden deviation was part of the 19 awareness campaigns launched in Sharjah with brochures in Arabic, English and Urdu distributed to motorists.

Fines

According to the Federal Traffic Law, fines for various driving offences are as follows:

Sudden deviation: Dh200 and four black points.

Wrong overtaking: Dh200 and 3 black points.

Overtaking from right side: Dh200 and four black points.

Overtaking in a prohibited area: Dh600 and 6 black points.

Lane indiscipline by heavy vehicles: Dh600 and 6 black points.

Studies conducted by Sharjah Traffic Police highlight six main reasons for sudden deviation accidents:

1) Lack of attention.

2) Not leaving enough distance between vehicles.

3) Exceeding the speed limit.

4) Entering a lane without making sure it is free of vehicles.

5) Using a mobile phone while driving.

6) Driver fatigue.

6 tips for drivers from Sharjah Traffic Police to avoid sudden deviation accidents:

1) Give optical signal before changing lane.

2) Check the track before moving from one lane to another.

3) Look over your shoulder before changing lanes.

4) Maintain same speed during the transition from first lane to next.

5) Change tracks gradually and not suddenly.

6) Maintain same speed or increase it slightly.