The Abu Dhabi Police GHQ launched on Wednesday, an initiative to raise awareness on the dangers of reckless motorcycle driving on road users on one hand, and on motorcycle drivers themselves. The initiative coincides with the beginning of the first semester holiday.
Major General Mohammed bin Al Awadhi Al Menhali, Director General of Police Operations at Abu Dhabi Police, said that this initiative aims to increase awareness, reduce the risk of motorcycle violations, and enhance public safety levels.
He emphasized the keenness of Abu Dhabi Police GHQ, as per its objectives and strategic priorities, to legalize the use of motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATV). This includes identifying the technical requirements; establishing the proper legislation that regulates their use; identifying designated allowed locations; and establishing systems of import and sale, to enhance the safety and security of motorcycle drivers and road users alike.
Major General Al Menhali warned individuals against the risks of driving unlicensed motorcycles; he attributed this risk to the lack of safety and security requirements of motorcycles and ATVs that are used in off-road excursions and desert driving, which make them prone to accidents more than the licensed motorcycles.
He also called on quad bikes or ATV users to drive in the designated areas; to avoid dangerous sand slopes or highlands; and not to drive in public places or populated areas. He appealed to them to transfer such vehicles on trailers, which meet safety requirements.
Moreover, Al Menhali urged parents to supervise their children, and protect them from risks of traffic accidents. He stressed the need to strengthen efforts to provide safety and protection for children from the dangers of motorcycle use on internal and external roads and in sandy areas, in order to avoid the occurrence of serious traffic accidents leading to deaths, injuries or permanent disabilities.
The initiative aims to assess the significant risks associated with the use of this type of bikes; to identify the safe technical standards; and the legal framework of acquisition, in terms of import, leasing and sale, according to the Federal Traffic Law.
For his part, Brigadier Eng. Hussein Ahmed Al Harthi, Director of Traffic and Patrols Directorate at Abu Dhabi Police, indicated that the Directorate is carrying out field and awareness efforts to reduce motorcycle accidents. He pointed out that it has implemented campaigns and awareness initiatives targeting all segments of society, to maintain security and safety for all, reduce traffic accidents and their resulting losses, and enhancing traffic awareness, particularly among the youth, being the most vulnerable age category, prone to traffic accidents.
He confirmed that traffic patrols arrest any motorcycle presenting illegal additions or modifications to amplify its sounds or increase its speed, because it may cause danger to drivers and other road users; pointing out that there is no complacency in this regard.
Al Harithi attributed the cause of motorcycle accidents to recklessness, and non-compliance with the safety and security standards, pointing out that some motorcycle drivers carry out dangerous stunts.
He advised motorcycle drivers on desert excursions to follow safety instructions by using the helmet and wearing the customized uniform. He also called on them to drive their motorcycles in the designated areas, under the supervision of specialized teams in first-aid and medical services; not to use them in residential neighborhoods and not to cause inconvenience or risk to others.
The Director of Traffic and Patrols Directorate appealed to parents to supervise th
