Police seek residents’ help for safer roads
It is important for the Abu Dhabi Police to work closely with the public to enhance safety and security, which is our main goal.” Colonel Mohamed Ali Al Muhairi, director, Security Media Department
abu dhabi — The Abu Dhabi Police have urged drivers and the public to participate in making proposals to help reduce traffic violations and deadly road accidents.
The police announced the ‘Give Your Comment’ initiative, which was launched by the Department of Security Media on their social media platforms, to encourage motorists to share their comments and strategies about ways of combating road accidents. In the past two days alone, the platform received a rapid turnout of the public’s inputs and suggestions.
The police have also posted videos on Instagram, which show common road violations, such as ‘not maintaining a safe distance between vehicles,’ which leads to severe accidents and injuries.
One video reveals how an Abu Dhabi motorist driving a four wheel
drive without maintaining safe distance between his vehicle and the one in front, which leads to the vehicles colliding and even flipping upside down during rush hour.
The police did not reveal the condition of the drivers after the accidents, but urged the public to provide comments that can help raise awareness and enhance traffic safety. According to the police, real-life videos of motorists violating road rules help raise awareness among the community.
Colonel Mohamed Ali Al Muhairi, director of the Security Media Department, explained that the initiative is aimed at enhancing communication between the police and the general public.
“It is important for the Abu Dhabi Police to work closely with the public to enhance the safety and security, which is our main goal,” he told Khaleej Times.
He said the police take the public’s comments seriously, adding that the ‘We Are All Police’ initiative, as well as the ‘Give Your Comment’ initiative, were both created to help authorities and the communities work closer together.
“We saw an immediate interaction within minutes after the launch of the initiative, and in less than 24 hours, we have received a huge number of suggestions and proposals from observers.
“We received a large number of important ideas, which we will publish soon. We will benefit from the ideas, especially in helping promote awareness, prevention of road accidents and enhancing safety strategies.”
He also pointed out that suggestions have been taken into consideration, which includes the enhancement of radars to catch motorists who use their mobile phones while driving.
Colonel Al Muhairi stressed that motorists complained to the police about their concern over drivers not leaving safe distance between vehicles, which was their “top concern and suggestion”.
“Many people expressed concern over the recklessness of some motorists, as well as the attention of the Abu Dhabi Police to intensify awareness and promote road safety that helps prevent violations and road accidents.” Last year, motorists in Abu Dhabi received close to 4.6 million traffic fines for violations, which was a small decrease from 2016. He added that 79.8 per cent of the total fines were due to speeding.
The police said that although number of accidents have decreased by 12 per cent in 2017 compared to the previous year (1,740 down to 1,533), raising awareness is key in helping reducing the number of injuries and deaths caused by reckless drivers.
In 2017, 199 road fatalities occurred in Abu Dhabi, a 31 per cent drop from 2016 (289 deaths).
Police officials said educating young drivers is a priority, as reports reveal 44.8 per cent of all accidents were committed by drivers ages between 18 and 30.
The police will continue to raise road safety awareness through more campaigns, they added.