Abu Dhabi: The number of deaths caused by run-over incidents in the UAE capital has decreased by 38.6 per cent while the number of serious injuries due to accident has fallen by 27 per cent, the Directorate of Traffic and Patrols in Abu Dhabi Police have announced.
"The number of run-over cases has declined from 44 to 27 and the number of serious accident injuries decreased from 37 to 27 in the first six months of the year, compared to the same period in 2010," said Lieutenant Colonel Jamal Salem Al Ameri, head of the Public Relations Directorate of the traffic and patrols division of Abu Dhabi Police, who is also chairman of the committee to reduce run-over accidents in Abu Dhabi emirate.
He attributed the reduction to various factors, including increased efforts and awareness campaigns by the Directorate for both drivers and pedestrians.
"The main reasons for run-over accidents [are] lack of attention and speeding without taking road conditions into account... other reasons include pedestrians who do not use the bridges provided for them and risk getting hit," Lt Col Al Ameri said.
Additional measures to discourage people from crossing the street at non-designated locations include fining violators Dh200. To date, 8,301 tickets have been issued to both reckless drivers and jaywalking pedestrians.
"We will continue intensifying our efforts to ensure that the streets are safe for everyone...," Lt Col Al Ameri said.
