The Ministry of Interior has released a heart-breaking video on its social networking sites as part of its latest campaign against negligent drivers. In the impactful Keep the Dreams Alive video, which was accompanied with English subtitles, we hear the lost voices of students who perished in a school bus after a fatal traffic accident.
Ensuring traffic safety for all has been a main priority for UAE authorities, with all emirates carrying out constant awareness messages to deter reckless driving. In the 33rd Gulf Traffic Week held in March, officials revealed that the number of fatalities increased from 675 traffic deaths in 2015 to 725 deaths in 2016.
“The current rate of traffic accidents in the UAE is 5.6 deaths per 100,000. We aim to reach three deaths per 100,000 by 2021, and we are working relentlessly to achieve this goal,” said Lt. General Saif Abdullah Al Shafar, undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior. He also pointed out that out of the 725 deaths in 2016, 55 victims were aged between 18 and 30.
It was also announced recently that Tailgating was the cause of 8 deaths in 73 accidents in first quarter of 2017. Tailgating was one of the main causes of traffic accidents between January and April, with 5,150 fines issued on Abu Dhabi roads.
"Not maintaining sufficient distance between vehicles increases the risk of rear-end collisions as motorists do not have sufficient time or distance to stop should the vehicle in front come to a sudden and unexpected halt," said Col Ahmed Al Zuwaidi, the director of main roads at Abu Dhabi Police’s traffic and patrols directorate.
Dr Britta Lang, head of Transport Research Laboratory in the UAE, agreed, saying: "Unfortunately, close following is a frequent contributing factor in many collisions on UAE roads. It is particularly dangerous on high-speed roads where the collision severities are likely to be much higher."
Col Al Zeyoudi warned against tailgating, sounding horns and flashing headlights to force vehicles ahead to give way, as such behaviour distracts other motorists and increases the risk of accidents.
As part of the rules and fines to commence on 1st July, drivers will be fined Dhs 400 and receive four black points on their licence for tailgating.