Number of deaths on Abu Dhabi roads fall

There were 16 fatalities last month, down from 22 in April, Abu Dhabi Police Traffic and Patrols Directorate said.

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ABU DHABI // The number of traffic-related deaths on the capital’s roads dropped by more than a quarter from April to May.

There were 16 fatalities last month, down from 22 in April, Abu Dhabi Police Traffic and Patrols Directorate said.

The number of accidents –which included collisions, pedestrians being hit and vehicles rolling over – also fell, from 153 to 145.

Brig Eng Hussein Al Harthi, head of TPD, said the main causes behing the accidents were tailgating, sudden swerving, speed, failure to pay attention, entering a main road without checking for oncoming traffic, jumping red lights and failing to give way to pedestrians.

Over the same period, 210,073 fines were handed out for a variety of offences including speeding, swerving, old tyres and failure to wear a seat belt.

Brig Al Harthi urged motorists to observe the traffic rules, stick to the speed limit, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and avoid using phones while driving.

He also called on parents to have a role in raising traffic awareness among their children, especially during the summer holidays.

The number of patrols on the roads will be increased in order to better monitor traffic and provide drivers with traffic safety tips.

Brig Al Harthi also asked motorists to observe speed limits on motorways, set at 140kmh for light vehicles and 80kmh for lorries and other heavy vehicles.

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