Red light violations drop by 50%
ras al khaimah — The emirate of Ras Al Khaimah has witnessed a significant drop of 44.7 per cent in drivers jumping red traffic lights, in the first half of the year.
Brigadier Dr Mohammed Saeed Al Humaidi, director-general of the central operations department, RAK Police, said 870 drivers were fined for jumping red lights in six months this year. “These are against 1,580 violations in the first half of 2016.
“The erring drivers have been nabbed by sophisticated radars and digital cameras that have been installed on the roads and intersections of the emirate, not only for jumping red lights, but also for speeding at intersections.”
The RAK police have distributed thousands of brochures to enlighten the public about the stricter traffic regulations that took effect in the beginning of this July 2017, he added. “Speeding to cross the red traffic light is one of the main reasons for deadly accidents and always leads to big human and financial losses and gruesome casualties.
The speed cameras installed on the red lights radars have significantly helped curb high speeds at intersections, he underlined. “The one-yearold cameras have reduced red light violations.”
As per the new traffic rules, red signal violators shall suffer a hefty fine of Dh1,000, along with 12 black points, and the impoundment of the vehicle for 30 days. “The same amendment is enforceable on bikers.
“Red traffic light jumpers used to pay a fine of Dh800, along with eight black points, and vehicle impoundment for 15 days, but the penalty has become tougher after the new Federal Traffic Law.”
Recently, an Egyptian woman and her baby daughter succumbed to their injuries after the car they were travelling in collided with another car at Al Rams Intersection in the emirate. Four other passengers, including her husband, two other kids and the other car’s driver, sustained serious injuries.
“Initial enactment of the accident showed that the husband, who was speeding, tried to jump the red signal,” Brig Humaidi said. ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com