ABU DHABI // The number of deaths on the emirate's outer roads fell by 20 per cent last month from July last year.
Sixteen people died on roads outside the cities of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain last month, compared with 20 a year earlier, Abu Dhabi traffic police said.
They attributed the fall to stronger law enforcement and awareness campaigns urging drivers to wear seat belts and drive responsibly.
"Traffic patrols have increased on various roads leading to Al Ain and the Western Region," said Col Hamad Nasser Al Baloushi, the head of traffic police for the external Abu Dhabi regions.
Last month 785 drivers were fined for not wearing seat belts, 171 for speeding and 700 for modifying vehicles illegally.
"Studies have confirmed that seat belts can reduce the chances of fatality by 45 per cent in passenger cars, and 60 per cent in light buses," said Col Al Baloushi.
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