342 underage drivers arrested in Abu Dhabi this year

Police issue safety warning to parents over dangers of motoring minors

Abu Dhabi, U.A.E., January 6, 2018.  Covered road signs along E10 highway towards Abu Dhabi from Dubai.  Located infront of Al Raha Mall.
Victor Besa / The National
National
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Abu Dhabi Police have issued a safety warning to parents who allow their children to get behind the wheel after 342 underage drivers were arrested in the past six months.

Police say young people aged under the age of 18 who take to the roads without a licence are putting the lives of themselves and others in danger.

A total of 17 road accidents involving underage drivers were recorded between January and June.

Brigadier Khalifa Mohammed Al Khaili, of the Directorate of Traffic and Patrols in the Central Operations sector, highlighted the potentially tragic consequences when parents allow their children to drive without a license.

He said the absence of family supervision and giving underage children permission to drive posed a serious traffic hazard - and posed a huge risk of serious and fatal traffic accidents.

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The parents of 256 offenders had been summoned to warn them about the risks involved, he said.

Police have warned repeat offenders would be prosecuted.

A total of 82 underage drivers, who had made a pledge not to repeat the offence, were caught driving without a licence.

They had been transferred to Family Prosecution for legal action.

Brig Al Khaili urged parents and families to observe their children during the summer vacation and prohibit them from driving vehicles and motorcycles.

The Juvenile Delinquents Law would be applied in case of breach, he said, and he urged parents to enroll their children in useful programmes during the summer vacation.

He said motorcycles pose a particular threat to safety on public roads, especially since many bilkes lack safety features such as anti-reflective lights, front white headlight and rear red lights.