Too many being injured in Ajman due to car accidents, police say

AJMAN // Run-over incidents are declining in Ajman but there are still too many injuries caused, police said.

The number of run-over incidents in the emirate last year was 102, with six deaths, while in 2014 it was 103, with 16 deaths.

Colonel Ali Humaid Al Musaibi, director of the Traffic and Patrols Department at Ajman Police, said that it was a minimal reduction but still a positive one when one considers the increase in vehicles on the roads.

“We are working on solving the problem through putting fences [along roads, to stop pedestrians crossing at incorrect areas]. We have already put fencing along Sheikh Khalifa and Kuwaiti streets and there is a small part on the Corniche, too,” he said.

“Even though the Corniche has four pedestrian [crossing] areas, some pedestrians shorten the time and cross from the wrong path.”

The director urged people to cross the street from designated crossing areas to avoid endangering their lives and that of others.

“I saw with my own eyes a father letting his son climb the fence to cross the street. These fences were put up to protect the lives of people,” he said.

Overall, there was an 18 per cent reduction in road deaths in Ajman from 2014 to 2015. There were 18 deaths last year compared to 22 in 2014, even though the number of accidents increased by 14 per cent.

“The main age group of motorists causing accidents is between 18 and 35, and the main cause is sudden veering and then high speed, followed by crossing the red light, driving recklessly and using social media while driving,” Col Al Musaibi said.

During the heavy rain last week, Ajman Police arrested more than 10 motorists who were doing wheel spins, he said.