ABU DHABI // In the first three months of 2014, two people died and three were injured in traffic accidents caused by drink driving.
There were also 32 accidents resulting from motorists driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs during this period, said Lt Ahmed Al Zyoudi, head of the Traffic Accidents Investigation Section at Abu Dhabi Police Traffic and Patrols Directorate.
Speaking to Al Ittihad, the Arabic-language sister newspaper of The National, he said police have now stepped up patrols on Abu Dhabi's roads to catch motorists who drive while intoxicated.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs affects concentration and ability to drive as it slows reflexes when encountering unexpected situations on the road.
He also said certain medications, such as stress pills and pain killers, affects awareness when driving, leading to an inability to gauge the distance between the vehicle and what lies ahead.
Lt Al Zyoudi added that it is important for drivers to be clear-headed and maintain their focus on the road.
He said the Ministry of Interior had backed police to make sure legislation was in place to discourage drivers who operate their vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
