The Traffic and Patrols Directorate at Abu Dhabi Police organized a traffic awareness lecture for Police College students. The lecture aims to acquaint students with the risks of neglect and lack of attention while driving.
Lt. Colonel Jamal Salim Al Ameri, Head of Public Relations Department underscored the need for motorists to stay alert while driving and not preoccupy themselves with their mobile phones or other devices that may cause them to lose control, especially in the event of encountering unexpected surprises on the road. He also pointed out to the risks of accidents that occur due to neglect and lack of attention, which accounted for 23% of traffic accidents in 2012.
Furthermore, Al Ameri called on motorists, especially young people to stay alert and focus while driving. “Statistics show that 46% of individuals who committed last year’s traffic accidents were aged between 18-30 years. These accidents resulted in 132 deaths and 168 serious injuries”, he pointed out.
He added that the main causes of such unfortunate accidents were neglect, lack of attention, over speeding, jumping red lights, and failure to leave a safe distance between vehicles.
Lt. Colonel Al Ameri underscored the efforts aimed to raise the awareness of young drivers within the Abu Dhabi Traffic program to reduce traffic accidents, titled "Together”, on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. These programs aim to improve traffic behavior and promote communication and dialogue channels with the youth. “Moreover, the Department has launched four community-based initiatives, including: ‘the Best Young Driver’ and ‘The Best Family abiding with traffic laws’”, he concluded.
For his part, Hilal Al Sawafi from the Marriage Fund delivered a lecture tackling the negative impacts of traffic accidents on both the family and the community as a result of losing a father or a son. “Traffic accidents are devastating and cause orphans and widows; not to mention their impacts on the family and its social structure,” he concluded.
It is noteworthy that this lecture comes in line with Abu Dhabi Police Traffic Awareness Plan, the Traffic Safety Strategy, and social communication methodology, with a priority to make roads safer, and promote traffic culture among all segments of society.