Traffic safety campaigns rolled out across emirates
Police urge motorists to be extra careful in the lead-up to iftar given accident statistics
Police are stepping up patrols on key roads across the UAE to reduce accidents and ensure smooth traffic flow during Ramadan.
Addressing a press conference to launch a Ramadan traffic safety campaign by Dubai Police in coordination with the Roads and Transport Authority, Major-General Mohammad Saif Al Zafein, head of the Federal Traffic Council and assistant to the Dubai Police Chief for Operations Affairs, said: “Many drivers speed to catch iftar. People who feel hungry because of fasting or smokers who don’t smoke during fasting can be more nervous while driving and that makes them commit mistakes and cause accidents.”
Police will deploy more patrols around mosques and malls to organise traffic and will also focus on industrial areas like Al Quoz as workers go out in large numbers before and after iftar.
Sharjah and other emirates
Brigadier Abdullah Mubarak Bin Amer, Deputy Commanderin-Chief of the Sharjah Police, reviewed traffic plans as well as a security plan. Police patrols will be deployed around key mosques during Taraweeh prayer. “We will also regulate entry and exit to and from mosque parking lots during prayer times,” he said.
He explained that Sharjah Police cooperate with Al Ehssan Charity association to distrubute iftar meals to motorists on the roads on a daily basis.
Lieutenant Colonel Saif Abdullah Al Falasi, director of the traffic and patrol department of Ajman Police, said that 40 traffic patrols and Aman patrols have been deployed.
Ras Al Khaimah Police will deploy 57 patrols in residential neighbourhoods, markets and places of worship. Patrols will be on duty even late at night.
Colonel Mohammad Rashid Bin Naya Al Tunaiji, Deputy Chief of Fujairah Police, said special teams will tackle beggars and errant motorcyclists.
The extra units will focus on streets near mosques, commercial areas, shopping centres and Ramadan tents.