Drink-driving deaths up by 175 per cent in Dubai

There were 324 alcohol-related traffic accidents in Dubai between January and November, which killed 11 people and injured 95.

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DUBAI// The number of people killed in drink-driving incidents in Dubai so far this year has risen from four to 11 compared with last year.

There were 324 alcohol-related traffic accidents between January and November, in which 11 people died and 95 were injured, and 572 vehicles were damaged.

In the same period last year there were 295 such accidents, in which four people died and 97 were injured, and 517 vehicles were damaged.

Dubai Police will step up traffic patrols to catch people who drive under the influence of alcohol, which poses a serious threat to the life of the driver and of other road users, said Maj Gen Mohammad Saif Al Zafeen, head of the police traffic department.

Driving under the influence of drugs caused 20 accidents in which one person died and seven were injured, and 32 vehicles were damaged.

The total number of traffic accidents increased slightly this year to 2,633, up from 2,561 on last year.

Sudden swerving was the leading cause of traffic accidents in Dubai this year, with 635 accidents in which 38 people died and 589 were injured, and 1,087 vehicles were damaged.

Click here for an interactive of drink driving statistics in the UAE

* The National staff