Summer campaign to reduce accidents

Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Interior has launched a ‘Free of Accidents Summer’ campaign across the country.

The three-month campaign aims to create a sense of responsibility and cooperation to reduce traffic accidents.

“The campaign is for the safety of all road users and the welfare of the society. Already, we noticed a significant drop in accidents as well as the number of fatalities and injuries caused by traffic accidents in the first half of 2012,” said Mohammad Al Darmaki, the Association President.

More than 100,000 brochures written in four languages to foster awareness about the UAE federal traffic law were distributed.

“Manyl Emiratis and expatriates prefer traveling by land to spend their summer holidays in the GCC and neighbouring Arab countries. Therefore it is imperative that travellers keep their vehicles well maintained and use good quality tires. Equally important, not to overload the vehicles. Ignoring these simple tips may lead to vehicles flipping over causing fatal accidents and serious injures,” said Al Darmaki.

Al Darmaki advised people to leave adequate space between cars when driving and to pull over on to the shoulder to rest their eyes if and when they feel tired or sleepy.

“Campaigns alone will not do miracles without people’s cooperation and compliance with traffic regulations. Road safety is everybody’s responsibility,” he concluded.