WAM Abu Dhabi, Apr 21st, 2012 (WAM)--A number of deaths caused by the traffic accidents among Emiratis in the first quarter of this year compared to the correspondent period in 2011 had dropped by 13 per cent, according to the statistical report released by the General Department for Traffic Coordination at the Ministry of Interior.

Brig. Ghaith Hassan Al Zaabi, Director General of the General Department for Traffic Coordination at the Ministry said that in accordance with the statistical report, the deaths were 52 cases from January 01 to March 13, 23 cases were on the internal roads, while 29 cases occurred on the highways nationwide. The deaths were 60 cases in the same period last year.

The report said the excessive speed was on the top of causes that led to the deaths among Emiratis, constituting 13 death cases, 25 per cent of all the deaths. It was followed by the sudden swerve with 12 death cases, which is 23 per cent of the death cases. Meanwhile, entering on to the road without making sure it is clear caused four cases, 7 per cent of the death cases. The reversal without paying attention had caused three death cases, 5 per cent of the cases, while exceeding red traffic signal, negligence, inattentiveness, lack of driving skills, overtaking caused 23 per cent of the deaths among Emiratis.

Al Zaabi said despite the rise by 14 per cent in number of Emiratis who owned vehicles and the rise in number of Emiratis who obtained the driving licences by 4.6 per cent in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2011, the number of deaths among Emiratis had dropped by 13 per cent.

He underlined that the Ministry is keen to double efforts to safeguard lives of Emiratis and residents through reduction of the traffic accidents, citing that the drop in the death rates and injuries caused by the traffic accidents was due to the implementation of a number of initiatives and procedures in line with the strategy of the ministry to enhance the safety on the roads.

WAM/MN