Traffic and Patrol Directorate at the Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters has launched an initiative to enhance traffic safety for road travelers. The initiative is a traffic and security campaign, which is organized by the General Department of Police Operations at Abu Dhabi Police, in cooperation with the Security Media Department at the General Secretariat of the Office of H.H. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. The campaign runs under the theme: ‘Your Safety.’
Launching the campaign today, Tuesday, the directorate announced that it has intensified monitoring in order to provide traffic safety on all external roads in the country, particularly, the Abu Dhabi – Al Ghwaifat road that witnesses a heavy traffic density during the summer vacation period due to passengers who leave for neighboring countries for a visit and return to the UAE.
Brigadier Engineer Hussain Ahmad Al Harithi, Director of Traffic and Patrols Directorate at Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters, said that a plan has been set that includes intensifying patrols on the external roads, which lead to border points to monitor traffic and to give away educational manuals containing advice and useful information on vehicle and tire maintenance, and also gives information about distances to petrol stations along the roads.
He pointed out that accidents in Abu Dhabi during the last five months of 2012 were a result of tires explosions; a total of 22 accidents were recorded resulting in three deaths and five cases of severe injury.
Brigadier Al Harithi explained that the initiative includes the set-up of educational points at the petrol station, along with broadcasting traffic messages via Emarat FM, Star FM, Holy Quran Radio, and Sharjah Radio. The programs, which target all society members, also include an educational email campaign and information on the Abu Dhabi Police website, television coverage via the Abu Dhabi Traffic and Patrols Directorate program to reduce traffic accidents, and an initiative titled: “Together" on social media websites such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
Brigadier Al Harithi called on motorists who are traveling internationally using the highways to adhere to traffic laws and follow traffic instructions to reach their destinations safely. He also stressed on taking all precautions and safety measures while driving in the early morning hours.
He also cautioned the driver to adhere to the speed limit, maintain a safety distance between vehicles, and to stay alert in order keep vigilant on the roads. He pointed out the importance of taking a break in case of fatigue at any point in the trip, as drivers can just stop the vehicle on the right side of the road and turn on the flashers to warn other vehicles traveling in the same direction.
Brigadier Al Harithi made it clear to motorists to follow all regulations regarding the allowed load a vehicle can carry, as it should not exceed 60 cm above the vehicle. He said that exceeding allowed load is a law violation and shall result in penalties that include seizure of the vehicle for one week, a 200 AED ticket, and three black points.
He urged the motorists to follow safety rules and to start the journey by carefully checking the vehicle, its mechanics, and tires. Brigadier Al Harithi pointed out that using high quality tires and avoiding fake ones is necessary to prevent tire explosions, which witness a higher rate of occurrence during the summer due to soaring temperatures.
Brigadier Al Harithi called on land travelers to park their vehicles in a proper locale off of the road in case the vehicle’s engine suffers from overheating, and not to neglect using the hazard lights and reflector. In case of overheating, he advises motorists to turn off the engine , open the hood, wait until the engine cools down, fill t