Transport

Dangers of driving after drugs and alcohol highlighted in Abu Dhabi

Road accidents caused by drivers driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs have prompted Abu Dhabi Police to launch a new campaign.

Ayesha Al Khoori

January 06, 2014

  • English
  • Arabic

ABU DHABI // Efforts to reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by drivers who have taken alcohol or drugs are being stepped up by police.

Three people were killed and five seriously injured from January to October last year in 57 accidents by motorists who were under the influence.

Between 2010 and 2012, intoxicated people caused more than 200 accidents – including 23 deaths and 36 people suffering serious injuries.

Police have now launched a campaign, UAE Together, to curb the number of accidents.

Workshops and exhibitions will be held in universities to promote a culture of road safety, and extra road patrols will be used across the emirate.

The initiative also urges parents and families to monitor relatives’ behaviour for signs of drug abuse.

Brig Hussain Al Harethi, head of Abu Dhabi Police’s Traffic and Patrols Directorate, highlighted the dangers of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

These include a reduction in your ability to survey the road and react to conditions or unforeseen incidents, which increases the risks for other road users, he said.

Brig Al Harethi said a driver must be fully conscious while driving, and consuming drugs or alcohol could make it more difficult to focus and watch the road.

Motorists should not drive after taking some forms of medication, he warned, as it could affect their concentration.

Brig Al Harethi emphasised that anyone caught while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs would be prosecuted, have their vehicle confiscated for two months and their driving licence revoked.

He said it was important to address the issue given the social and economic damage as well as the danger to lives.

Brig Al Harethi welcomed the support of the Ministry of Interior for the initiative.

This campaign follows Abu Dhabi Police's road safety strategy to reduce the causes of traffic accidents leading to deaths and injuries.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/UAETogether.

aalkhoori@thenational.ae

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Abu Dhabi PoliceDrugsCourtsTransport