1,600 traffic fines issued in just one week in Ras Al Khaimah
ras al khaimah — The Ras Al Khaimah Police have issued 1,600 traffic fines in one week after the amended federal traffic law took effect on July 1.
Brigadier Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al Humaidi, director-general of the central operations room, RAK Police, on Monday said they have deployed more traffic patrols from the beginning of this month. “All traffic departments across the nation started enforcing the new traffic amendments of the ministerial decree No 178/2017 earlier this month.
“The force have distributed thousands of brochures and ran a number of workshops to develop drivers’ awareness on the new rules, before implementing them. “The new rules are meant to ensure road users’ safety, curb down traffic violations and achieve the accident-free target.”
The erring drivers were booked for not buckling up, using the phone while driving, speeding, failing to leave safety space between vehicles, wrong overtaking, and driving on the hard shoulder.
Brig. Humaidi urged all drivers to observe road rules. “The RAK police warned drivers against chatting or exchanging posts on social media while driving,” he said. “This poses a grave risk and was blamed for many deadly accidents.”
More inspection campaigns will be launched to nab erring drivers, he warned. “More awareness campaigns will be run to make sure that all drivers are well aware of the new traffic amendments.”
Mohamed Salem, a safety engineer, said the new rules are meant to
The RAK police warned drivers against chatting or exchanging posts on social media while driving. This poses a grave risk and was blamed for many deadly accidents.” Brigadier Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al Humaidi, director-general of the central operations room, RAK police boost road safety. “However, it will take drivers some time to get accustomed to the new regulations.”
Eyad Abdullah, an Iraqi expat, said he was booked two days back for failing to buckle up all his children in the car. “My wife and I were sitting in the front seats and were restrained, but none of my kids in the back seats were buckled up.”
Sherif Al Wakeel, an Egyptian, said the new traffic rules represent a big challenge, and people need some time to get used to it. “The new rules will hopefully curb road accidents and casualties, though.” Al Wakeel said it is still hard to observe some rules, like the mandatory car seats for children below four.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com