ABU DHABI // Five people were killed and six others seriously injured in 17 traffic accidents during the Eid Al Fitr holiday.
Sudden swerving, excessive speed and motorists not paying attention were the main causes of the crashes on the emirate’s roads and highways between July 28 and August 2, according to Col Khamis Mohammed, deputy director of Abu Dhabi’s Traffic and Patrols Directorate.
Of the emirate’s 17 crashes, 11 were in the city of Abu Dhabi, four were in Al Ain and two were in the Western Region.
It followed a high-profile road safety campaign during Ramadan urging motorists to take extra care during the holy month.
Col Mohammed stressed the importance of the UAE Together road safety campaign - an initiative by Abu Dhabi Police to educate the public about traffic rules and regulations – and the need to look out for each other.
The initiative reminds motorists that they share the road with other users and that “traffic safety is everyone’s responsibility”. It aims to increase seat belt and helmet use, to reduce speeding and to spread awareness about safely crossing roads.
Col Mohammed called on drivers and pedestrians to comply with traffic laws and regulations, to observe the necessary precautions on the road, and to use proper etiquette and manners. Driving in the designated lanes, using indicators prior to changing lanes, and keeping a safe distance between cars are also essential in avoiding accidents on the emirate’s roads, he said.
jbell@thenational.ae
