16,300 traffic offences committed each day on UAE roads

This content was originally posted in 7DAYS UAE website at: 16,300 traffic offences committed each day on UAE roads Traffic authorities have revealed what little regard motorists across the UAE have for the rules and fellow motorists – new statistics show more than 16,300 offences committed on the country’s roads every day. The Ministry of Interior released figures that show 4.9 million traffic violations were recorded across the UAE in the first 10 months of 2015. Speeding accounted for 84 per cent of the violations followed by changing lanes without indicating, or sudden swerving. Worringly, drivers not wearing seatbelts was next on the list, with 118,637 offences while 74,237 motorists were caught jumping red lights. Tailgating (63,986 offences), drivers’ using mobile phones (55,364), illegally overtaking (21,500) and reckless driving (3,879) were also on the list. And that’s just the ones getting caught. Authorities said the number is down on the same period last year, when five million offences were recorded, but Brigadier Gaith Al Zaabi, director of traffic coordination at the Ministry of Interior warned drivers: “Although there has been a decline in traffic offences committed on UAE roads this year, the figure is still big since many of the road accidents result from drivers’ violating traffic laws. “Motorists should always adhere to traffic rules so as to improve safety on roads.” Al Zaabi added: “Driving at very high speed is very dangerous. People driving at excessive speed fail to control their cars and cause accidents on many occasions.” RELATED: Watch road safety video series #RoadSmart Traffic authorities urged motorists to abide by laws to avoid road accidents stressing that accidents have negative effects on the country’s economic, social and environmental aspects. And Shahazad Sheikh, Editor-in-Chief of Motoring Middle East, said drivers need across the country need to be educated more about the traffic laws in order to cut road offences. “Existing traffic laws in the country and penalties for offenders are just enough,” said Sheikh. “All that is required is educating people more about the importance of adhering to traffic laws through awareness campaigns, lectures, etc to reduce violations on roads. Young motorists should be taught about why driving at excessive speed could be dangerous to their lives.” Sheikh added that parents need to be taught about the importance of child safety seats and the necessity to buckle up. “In Europe, educating people on traffic laws is a culture and that’s why these countries have been able to cut traffic offences,” he said. ismail@7days.ae Read the original story at: 16,300 traffic offences committed each day on UAE roads