Emirati road deaths 'down from last year'

ABU DHABI // Fewer Emiratis have been killed in road accidents in the emirate so far this year, and speeding remains the leading cause of death for nationals on the roads.

In the first quarter of this year, 52 Emiratis were killed in road accidents, a 13 per cent decline from the same period last year. Speeding accounted for 25 per cent, or 13 deaths, of overall road fatalities.

The statistics, released by the Ministry of Interior and gathered between January 1 and March 31, also show that sudden speed changes were responsible for 12 fatalities, or 23 per cent, and entering a road without making sure it is clear of vehicles resulted in four deaths, or 7 per cent.

Twenty-three Emiratis were killed on roads inside the city and 29 on highways this year.

jthomas@thenational.ae