Drifting lanes new killer on Dubai roads: 20 deaths in 4 months
Dubai motorists have taken to drifting between lanes, that too suddenly and this has led to a significant increase in the number of fatal traffic accidents this year.
According to General Mohammad Saif Al Zafeen, Head, Dubai Traffic Police, 20 people lost their lives due to drifting between lanes in the first four months of this year, while only 21 people had lost their lives in the whole of 2012.
“In the last four months, 20 people died as a result of sudden drifting between lanes by motorists, compared to 21 people who were killed due to the same reason throughout last year,” he said and urged motorists to be careful when they change lanes. “Give indicators and avoid changing lanes erratically,” he emphasised.
Gen Al Zafeen said a fine of Dh200 and 4 points for sudden drifting is not tough enough. “We might make a suggestion to the Interior Ministry to increase the punishment because it needs an update. The fine for not giving indicator is Dh200 and three traffic points. This is not enough to crack down on motorists,” he said. “We have to take measures to reduce deaths on roads to zero by 2020,” he added.
Gen Al Zafeen said that records prove Emirati and Pakistani motorists top the list of motorists who commit traffic offence. “Emiratis and Pakistanis caused the death of 14 people, while Indians came second and Egyptians third,” he added.
“A normal person needs 1.5 second to react to danger, but when one is speeding that time period is not available to react normally and save you,” Gen Al Zafeen explained. Speeding is common on Sheikh Zayed Road and Mohammad Bin Zayed Road, he observed.
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