Number of Abu Dhabi road deaths during Ramadan dropped compared to 2014

ABU DHABI // The number of people killed on Abu Dhabi’s roads during Ramadan dropped from 25 to 17 compared with the same period last year.

The total number of accidents fell by 32 per cent, from 165 to 130, according to Col Hamad Al Ameri, head of the capital’s traffic department at the Abu Dhabi Police Traffic and Patrols Directorate.

Col Al Ameri put the safety improvements down to intensified control, tougher enforcement, a comprehensive traffic safety plan and awareness campaigns.

The decision to ban lorries from entering Abu Dhabi during peak hours contributed to reducing the number of accidents during the holy month, he said.

He also attributed the co-operation of the public and the help of charities that handed out Iftar meals to drivers across the capital, to discourage them from speeding as they rush home to break their fast.

Failure to leave a sufficient distance between vehicles, sudden lane changes, neglect and lack of attention, running red lights, speeding, and driving without proper care and caution under poor road conditions, were the main causes of traffic accidents.

He urged drivers to comply with traffic laws and regulations, drive with caution, keep a safe distance between vehicles, avoid using mobile phones while driving, and not to park their vehicles haphazardly and obstructing traffic in public parking spaces.

Motorists are also being asked not to park in front of water hydrants and in disabled and ambulance spaces as it could impede emergency services.