UMM AL QAIWAIN // Stray camels cause dozens of road accidents annually, many inflicting serious injuries, police have said.
There were almost 90 such accidents in the emirate last year said Lt Col Khamis Buharoon, the UAQ police director of operations.
Though no fatalities were reported, many of the incidents left victims badly hurt.
Al Ittihad Road, which connects Ajman and Sharjah to Ras al Khaimah, was the most common site of animal accidents, he said.
"We are working with the Ministry of Public Works to have this road fenced from the Umm al Qaiwain roundabout to Ras al Khaimah," Lt Col Buharoon said.
Another solution would be for local camel owners to ensure that their beasts did not wander on to the roads, he said.
The problem can be aggravated when careless drivers speed on the Al Ittihad Road or do not pay sufficient attention, Lt Col Buharoon added. The area was sufficiently well lit, he said.
"For us as authorities, we have done most of our part," he said. "The road has speed radars and street lights throughout the nights.
"We need co-operation from motorists and camel owners to curb these accidents now."
Two weeks ago a stray camel caused an accident in which 15 passengers and their driver were injured. The camel was killed.
