Our correspondent
The Abu Dhabi Police recorded 22,162 offences where drivers were caught and penalised for violating the safety seat belt rule from January to June this year. According to amendments made to the Federal Traffic Law, the fine for driver and passengers not wearing seat belts or a child not in a car seat is Dh400 per offender. Additionally, four black points are registered on the driver’s licence.
The Abu Dhabi Police also recorded 15,588 violations in the first half of the year where motorists did not give way to pedestrians or slow down when approaching crossings.
Vehicles who fail to give way to those crossing the road are fined Dh500 and six black points, said the police.
For the past five years, the UAE was ranked first in the World Economic Forum’s global index of road quality.
In January, traffic cameras that can detect tailgating were activated across Abu Dhabi’s roads to improve safety. The introduction of a points system for reckless driving and the threat of imprisonment for serious breaches were also thought to have reduced incidents.
The fall in numbers was also attributed to upgraded traffic control measures including better road signs, improved road surfaces and speed restrictions.
